Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency Investigates Claims of Excessive Flaring at Corrib Field

Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it is investigating flaring levels at Shell's Corrib gas field after local residents complained of excessive flaring on New Year's Eve.

In an emailed comment, the EPA said that it was working with Shell to investigate the complaints.

"There is provision in the licence regarding flaring namely Condition 3.9 which states that 'The licensee shall only use flaring for safety reasons or for non-routine operational conditions'," the EPA said.

"The EPA has been in regular contact with Shell in recent days and is examining all evidence in relation to the flaring operation.  Having completed this examination the EPA will decide on the appropriate enforcement action, if any, to take in relation to the flaring."

In a separate emailed comment, Shell acknowledged that there had been "exceptional" levels of flaring but said that, though more flaring may continue as production starts up at the field, it will be much less than the levels seen on December 31st.

"The level of flaring that occurred on New Year’s Eve was exceptional," the company said. "As the start up process continues there may be further intermittent flaring activity in the coming days. This will not be at the same level and we will take all measures to minimise any flaring occurrences."

Production at the Corrib gas field began on the 30th of December after approval from Irish Minister of Energy Alex White was granted. Shell estimates that the field could potentially supply up to 60% of Ireland's gas needs at peak production and will have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.