Malcolm raises concerns about the biomass plant proposed in Leith
Letter about the proposed Biomass Plant at Imperial Dock, Leith
To The Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit
Note: it will be up to Scottish Ministers to decide, if approval is given.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am carrying out an extensive consultation with my constituents about the proposal for a Biomass plant in Leith and I expect to receive many more representations in the next few weeks. I have however already been made aware of very serious concerns about the proposal and I myself have many serious concerns.
This development is contrary to the agreed master plan for Leith Docks and will have a very negative impact on future developments as well as on those currently resident in the area. It will be very visually intrusive and also have negative environmental consequences.
There are concerns about the likely emissions and, following a conversation I had with SEPA, I am not reassured. I am particularly concerned about the threat of dioxins if recovered biomass is used. This threat will be exacerbated by the frequent sea haars and low wind conditions in Leith.
More generally, there is no guarantee that the fuel to be used will be from forests that will be replaced, thus undermining any positive environmental potential from the development. Equally concerning, the proposal to transport the biomass fuel from thousands of miles away undermines any green credentials even more fundamentally.
There are also understandable concerns about noise and light from the plant twenty four hours a day and about the environmental consequences of lorries transporting at least 30% of the fuel. This will be difficult in any case because of the current roads infrastructure.
I am not opposed to biomass plants in the right circumstances where the scale and location are appropriate. This however is far too big a development and is certainly located in the wrong place. Local opposition is already very considerable and that is before all the residents are aware of what is proposed. I have sought to inform all those living near the proposed plant and I would not be surprised if I receive many more objections in the weeks ahead.
Yours sincerely
MALCOLM CHISHOLM
March 2010