Concerns over "intense" flaring at Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife

Locals have expressed their fears over “intense” flaring at the Mossmorran chemical plant which happened overnight.

Concerned residents took to social media to show the extent of the flames – which could reportedly be seen from as far away as Edinburgh.

The site was shut down back in August for repairs have after a number of unplanned flaring incidents.

Cowdenbeath councillor Darren Watt tweeted that "the flaring was the most intense I've ever seen".

However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is reassuring people the flaring was all part of the final re-start process at the plant.

In a statement on Thursday, Sepa said: “Sepa is aware of fluctuations in the elevated flare at Mossmorran as part of the final stage of the facility restart and specialist officers continue to monitor.

“We're working hard to address the root causes of 'unacceptable flaring', making flaring an exception rather than routine.

“The short and medium-term investment we're requiring the operators to make, from noise reducing flare tips in 2020 and 2021 and planning, designing then delivering new ground flare capacity will make a real difference to local communities.”

James Glen is chair of the Mossmorran Action Group: " The flaring was very extreme, causing significant noise impacts for local residents, and further afield.

"Noise was reported in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy."

Cowdenbeath Tory Councillor Darren Watt said: "We were aware that there would be fluctuation in the flaring, but certainly not to that level.

"That was really unprecedented: it was intense and ferocious, and it caused real concern amongst the community."

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