flare : a ghostly encouter

flare from BeachBum on Vimeo.

A necessary evil of our need for petrochemicals.

was at Pulau Hantu for a intertidal walk.

almost did not need a torch as the light from the nearby Pulau Bukom flare was incredible.

at times, the flare reached 30metres (or more) and the roar was considerable.

the air was not to good as well. there was a lingering chemical residue

a few questions come to mind :
If flaring is an emergency pressure relief process, then why flare continuously for days on end?
Does anyone keep track of flaring?
What are the harmful chemicals that get created in the process?
Does Singapore regulate flaring? Should flaring be reduced?
Why are there not any flaring advisories issued? Should they be? (but what can you do anyway)
Is there a time limit for ONE flare? or is it still ONE flare if it is not extinguished for days or weeks?
What is the average time for a flare?
What is the longest time for a flare?

The flare was visible from the East Coast (Bedok Jetty) that day and probably much further beyond. Wonder how far and in what direction the chemical fallout will travel.

Read more about flares here :
http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2010/02/flaring-up-at-pulau-bukom.html
http://wildshores.blogspot.com/2010/04/more-flaring-up-at-pulau-bukom.html

Note : there are flares and chemical chimneys from various petrochemical installations along the west coast. The Bukom one is one amongst many but it is the most visible one of the lot.