Mossmorran Petrochemical Plant

Environmental Noise Monitoring at Mossmorran Petrochemical Plant, Fife

Client: ExxonMobil

Project team: Scott Tunnah, Richard Mackenzie

Operating round the clock, 365 days a year, the ExxonMobil, Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) manufactures ethylene by converting ethane gas from the North Sea. Ethylene is the base material for the manufacturing of plastics used in food packaging, medical equipment, car parts and many more. ExxonMobil shares the Mossmorran facility with the neighbouring Shell Fife Natural Gas and Liquids plant for which RMP also provides acoustic consultancy.

The elevated flare at FEP allows for the safe combustion of ethylene gas as a safety precaution if a process upset occurs. When the flare from FEP is active, it is clearly visible in the surrounding towns and cities and from any elevated point in Edinburgh.

Since 2018, RMP have worked closely with ExxonMobil and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to undertake 24/7 Environmental Noise monitoring at 6 locations around FEP with a focus on the noise associated with flaring events. Along with 24/7 monitoring, RMP provides other services such as noise modelling, detailed acoustic analysis of plant operations, and acoustic advice to support the noise management plan and SEPA regulations.

With the installation of various mitigation measures supported by the monitoring and advice provided by RMP, the noise sensitive receivers in the area have benefited from the reduction in noise from the facility which has positively impacted the surrounding communities.

In July 2024, RMP’s work with Exxon at Mossmorran was recognised with an award in the Environmental Noise (Infrastructure) category, by the Association of Noise Consultants. More information about the award can be found here.