Tuesday’s severe storms have resulted in flaring at Mossmorran.
Both Shell’s NGL Plant and the Fife Ethylene Plant operated by ExxonMobil at the site were hit by a power cut as the region was battered by thunder and lightning.
The loss of power caused what has been described as a “process upset” at the huge facility near Lochgelly and residents woke to flaring and smoke belching from the elevated stack.
Speculation that one of the plants may have been struck by lightning have been denied
Both operators are working to rectify the situation and environment watchdog Sepa has been informed.
Shell UK said the situation was a direct result of the extreme weather overnight.
Plant manager Craig Burnett said: “We are taking measures to minimise the flaring and any disturbance, and we are working hard to return to normal operations.
“We have informed the regulator SEPA of the situation”.
A spokesman for ExxonMobil added: “As a direct result of the extreme weather and associated electrical impacts, we have experienced a process upset.
“As part of the plant’s safety and operational procedures, we are using our elevated flare.
“Our team are working to evaluate requirements to return to normal operations and to minimise the time in the flare.
“We stress that the use of the flare is completely safe, but we apologise for any concern or disruption caused.”
A Sepa spokesperson said: “Sepa is responding to elevated flaring at the Mossmorran complex, caused by a loss of power overnight due to the extreme weather conditions.
“Officers are being deployed to the area to assess impacts on the community.
“Sepa’s air quality and noise monitoring remains in place.
“We will provide updates as soon as we can using our online hub at sepa.org.uk/Mossmorran”
