FAWLEY refinery has issued an apology after complaints about powerful flares lighting up the night sky.
The flares, which can be seen for miles around, have been burning since early Tuesday following problems with part of the refinery's electricity supply.
It comes after an "operational incident" involving the leak of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) on November 8 and the subsequent use of flares.
As reported in the Daily Echo the incident, which also involved the collapse of a 100-tonne platform, is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Flares were used again during a start-up process at the end of last month and have now been deployed for the third time.
People living near the site say the orange glow is disrupting their sleep. One resident has reported hearing alarms and loud noises coming from the site since Tuesday.
READ MORE: Fawley refinery: New images show impact of 'major incident'
An ExxonMobil spokesman said: "We experienced an interruption to the electrical supply on a piece of equipment.
"Our processes allow us to rectify this by isolating individual units and safely diverting gas to our flares. This means the rest of the site operations can continue as normal, avoiding potential additional flaring that would be required if we had to shut down other units.
"We are currently working towards re-starting the unit, and will aim to see flaring continue to reduce through today."
In a tweet the company said the use of flares was "completely safe and controlled". It added: "We apologise if our flares are causing any disturbance, and thank you for your patience."
Flares are used to burn off excess gas and are regarded as the refinery's "safety valve".
As reported in the Daily Echo, two unions representing workers at the refinery released images showing the damage that occurred during the incident that took place on November 8.
Unite announced that a 100-tonne steel platform collapsed. The GMB organisation also entered the debate, saying the partial collapse of a cooling unit ruptured a pipe, causing a leak of LPG.
READ MORE: Fawley refinery: Flares lit during 'operational incident'
An internal memo sent to Fawley staff on November 9 confirmed a leak had occurred.
It added: "Our onsite response teams moved quickly to address this and safely isolated the unit. There were no injuries and the incident is fully under control."
In a statement issued at the time ExxonMobil said: "Safety is our top priority and we take any such incidents very seriously.
"We are investigating the incident and fully cooperating with the Health and Safety Executive.
"The cause of the incident has not yet been determined and it would be wrong and unhelpful to speculate until that work is complete."
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel