Be good neighbour to village
Message to dust row plant
The Cowie factory at the centre of a dust pollution row has been urged to prove itself as a good neighbour to residents.
Villagers were left angry after dust was emitted from the Norbord plant on two occasions last month – leaving them to clean up windows, cars and garden furniture and they also raised health concerns.
The incidents happened after a failure in dust suppression measures at Norbord’s sawdust shed.
The Observer reported last Wednesday how Norbord has been issued with a final warning from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) for the breaches.
Now Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, Mark Ruskell, is urging the MDF and particleboard manufacturer to endear itself to residents.
Mr Ruskell this week accepted an invitation to meet with senior bosses at the site.
He said: “It’s clear that a serious error was made with dust suppression equipment and now SEPA have issued a final warning to the company as a result.
“I was shown the measures that have been put in place to prevent an incident like this happening again, including new mobile water sprinklers that can be brought in to suppress dust in the event of a fault. I’m aware that there has been a chequered history with the operation of this plant over many years and hopefully Norbord can turn the corner.
“A number of businesses, including local firm Superglass, have signed up to Sustainable Growth Agreements with SEPA. These are plans to help companies move beyond simple legal compliance with environmental standards and invest in being the best. I have urged Norbord to go down this route to improve their role as a neighbour and walk the walk as a manufacturer of sustainable building materials.”
It’s understood that a review of the effect of the pollution on public health is now also being sought.
A spokesperson for NHS Forth Valley last week told the Observer: “We are aware of the issues involved and are liaising with relevant partners involved, including Stirling Council.”
It is expected that the review will be completed in the coming months.
Last month residents protested outside of the plant over the recent breaches.
Bosses from Norbord and SEPA attended the May meeting of Cowie Community Council.
Walk the walk as a manufacturer