"Fife Chemical Plant Fined for Flaring, Black Smoke Visible from Edinburgh"

ExxonMobil has been fined for violating pollution regulations after five days of continuous flaring at the Mossmorran petrochemical plant in Fife, causing visible black smoke in Edinburgh.

ExxonMobil pled guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court for multiple breaches of pollution control regulations at the Mossmorran petrochemical plant between April 7 and April 12.
The incident involved a gas flare that released significant black smoke, which was visible from Edinburgh, alarming local communities and raising environmental concerns.
Residents reported increased noise levels from the petrochemical facility during the flaring period, likening it to the sound of a jet engine, further impacting quality of life.

Why It Matters

This event underscores the ongoing environmental challenges posed by industrial operations in Scotland, highlighting the need for stricter oversight to prevent pollution and protect local communities from health hazards.