The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Longannet ash clouds still a problem: MSP
WEST FIFE: Shirley-Anne Somerville claims improvement yet to be seen
Dust clouds whipped up by winds from Longannet’s ash lagoons have still not been brought under control by ScottishPower, according to local MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville.
“It is an ever-changing problem depending on the wind and time of day but it’s up to ScottishPower to put the necessary measures in place to ensure it is being tackled now,” she said.
Meanwhile SNP candidate MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, Douglas Chapman, said he was assured everything was being done to help the situation.
ScottishPower put measures in place last week when the issue was highlighted but Ms Somerville claimed “an improvement is yet to be seen”.
Confirming the ash was classified by the EU as non-hazardous, a ScottishPower spokesman said it was doing everything it could to reduce the dust lifting, which has been the result of the exceptionally dry and windy weather.
“Additional equipment on site includes water bowsers, pumps taking water directly from the Forth, additional sprays and rain curtains.
“The Bluther Burn is used to fill the on-site reservoir and we are also pumping water directly from Longannet mine.
“We will keep water flowing onto the lagoons 24/7.
“We are confident these measures will significantly reduce the volume of dust that has been lifting from the site and we will continue to work hard to manage this.”
Ms Somerville said it was imperative locals were given answers about short and long-term sustainable solutions.
Mr Chapman added the dust cloud was “a real hazard” for local people, and was particularly bad for those suffering respiratory problems.
“It is now important that organisations like Sepa monitor the site closely and ensure that more than adequate measures are taken to protect the communities that have been badly affected,” he said.
A spokesman for Sepa said: “Following the enforcement notice issued to ScottishPower on April 26, officers continue to actively monitor ScottishPower’s progress to suppress dust from the ash lagoons.”
Samples have been taken to ensure the emissions are not adversely impacting on the environment.
Emissions were in breach of the site’s permit, so ScottishPower was required to have adequate dust suppression in place.
“We are aware that local residents close to the site have experienced further issues with dust over the weekend and these have been communicated to ScottishPower for their awareness.
“Any members of the public who have health concerns are advised to contact NHS Fife for information on the potential impact on public health.”
Additional equipment on site includes water bowsers, pumps taking water directly from the Forth, additional sprays and rain curtains. SCOTTISHPOWER