Kingdom FM News has been getting reaction to last night's news the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) intends to send a report to prosecutors over flaring which happened at Mossmorran in April 2019.
The agency carried out an extensive investigation after days of unplanned flaring happened at the Fife Ethylene Plant.
More than 900 complaints were made through SEPA's pollution hotline, which represents the highest number the agency has received for any single environmental event.
ExxonMobil says it'll consider the contents of SEPA's communication, with the firm insisting it complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Councillor Linda Holt from Mossmorran Action Group and Councillor Darren Watt, who represents Cowdenbeath, have welcomed SEPA's announcement.
But both have also expressed concerns about future progress over the matter, because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
You can hear them both, starting with Councillor Holt talking about the group's reaction:
Chief Executive of SEPA Terry A’Hearn said: "Compliance with Scotland’s environmental laws is simply non-negotiable.
"Over a number of years, communities across Fife have repeatedly endured unplanned flaring.
"Whilst flaring is an important safety mechanism of such facilities, it must become the exception, rather than routine.
"People rightly expect that their lives won’t be impacted by nearby industrial processes and yet again, over an extended period during Easter 2019, communities were impacted by unacceptable and preventable flaring.
"The incident resulted in over 900 complaints to our Pollution Hotline, the highest number we’ve received for any single environmental event.
"Consequently, following an extensive investigation into the flaring at Mossmorran during April 2019, we intend to shortly submit a report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for consideration of prosecution.
"It’s right that we take enforcement action for the Easter 2019 flaring event."
A spokesperson for ExxonMobil said: "Having only received the communication from SEPA late this evening, we will now take the time to fully consider its content.
"Wherever we operate, we comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations."
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