Published: Thursday, 13th December, 2007 09:30
Amended waste incinerator plans set for submission
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REVISED plans to build a controversial £140 million waste incinerator plant – featuring a 262ft-tall chimney – near Dunbar will be formally lodged with East Lothian Council in the New Year.
On Tuesday, Viridor Waste Management announced its intention to submit a formal planning application, including a full Environmental Impact Assessment, to the council on January 7.
The move follows a three-month period of public consultation over the proposed energy-from-waste (EfW) combined heat and power facility at the company’s landfill site at Oxwellmains.
Letters were this week being sent out to more than 4,000 homes in the Dunbar area informing residents of amendments to the building design.
However, the height of the smoke stack is unchanged.
Viridor claims that 64 per cent of local residents who provided written feedback are in favour of the development, or are neutral. Issues raised during the consultation process including visual impact, and noise, traffic and air quality matters.
The company has since “substantially modified” the design of the building.
As well as standing below the surrounding natural ground level, the original flat roof now has a curved, split level line to help it blend more effectively with its surroundings.
An additional study was commissioned to investigate possible improvements to the road junction to the site.
Dan Cooke, the company’s external affairs manager, said: “Viridor is committed to on-going open dialogue with the local community and takes any concerns of residents seriously. As well as the modifications to the building design, Viridor has undertaken extensive studies to assess factors such as noise, traffic and emission levels.”
All local authorities in Scotland have to meet demanding European targets for reducing the amount of waste they send to landfill under the 2002 Landfill Directive.
If approved, the Oxwellmains incinerator could burn 450,000 tons of non-hazardous waste each year.
It would produce 34 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in East Lothian.
Forty-seven new jobs would be created.
East Lothian is a member of the Lothian and Borders Waste Management Project, which recognises the option of a single EfW plant to handle the region’s non-biodegradeable waste.
However, the council says it will explore all options before making a decision.
As well as facing continued resistance from community groups, Viridor may also have competition from rival waste management firms.
A council spokesman told the Courier that an early decision on the application was highly unlikely, given the complexities of the situation.
A full copy of the planning submission will be placed on Viridor’s website, www.viridor-consultation.co.uk/dunbar.
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