Mossmorran: Greens welcome noise monitoring plans at Fife plant

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The Scottish Greens have welcomed more noise monitoring to be carried out at Mossmorran, following an independent review into the regulation of the plant.

But the party said questions still remain over its long term future.

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The comments came after SEPA published a review of its regulation of the ExxonMobil side of the plant carried out by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency, which came up with 20 recommendations for improving monitoring and communications.

The Greens also expressed their dismay that ExxonMobil declined to take part in the review process

Unplanned flaring at Mossmorran petro chemical plant in April 21 2019Unplanned flaring at Mossmorran petro chemical plant in April 21 2019
Unplanned flaring at Mossmorran petro chemical plant in April 21 2019

Mark Ruskell , MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said, “This is a welcome step forward in the ongoing saga that is Mossmorran, and local residents will be pleased to hear that SEPA intend to strengthen their monitoring at the site but several outstanding issues remain.

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“In particular the report makes a number of recommendations around the monitoring of noise.

“Everyone has the right to a good night’s sleep in their own home, and a stronger noise monitoring programme will hopefully get to the bottom of the issues and map out a way ahead.

Mr Ruskell said it was “frustrating” to see that ExxonMobil declined to take part in the review process, adding: “It will do little to reassure local residents who already doubt their commitment to being a good neighbour.

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An ExxonMobil spokesman said: “Our proposal to invest in a new enclosed ground flare that is designed to reduce the use of our elevated flare by 98% and make any required flaring much quieter and less visible, was volunteered to SEPA in April 2019.

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