Shetland Gas Plant operators Total have promised to stem the flow of black smoke pouring out of their recently-commissioned flare stack at Sullom Voe.
Environment protection agency SEPA have received “a number of complaints” from local people about the flaring.
However, the agency said it had no concerns about the smoke’s impact on the atmosphere.
They added they were closely monitoring the flare stack and its emissions and were in regular contact with Total.
The smoke is produced by condensation that arrives along with gas from the Laggan-Tormore fields west of Shetland.
Total responded they were in the process of installing an extra separation unit to bring an end to the black smoke.
A company spokesman said: “In the near future, we will have completed the commissioning of an ‘associated gas’ compressor that will reduce this requirement to flare.”
Meanwhile, SEPA said they would continue to ensure Total complied with its environmental permits.
The agency added: “Once fully commissioned, the plant is designed to operate with smoke-free flaring.”
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