Hansard

The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S4M-13248, in the name of Margaret Mitchell, on sewage sludge spreading. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. Before I invite Margaret Mitchell to open the debate, I invite members who are leaving the chamber and members of the public who are leaving the gallery to do so quickly and quietly please.

Motion debated,

That the Parliament recognises the level of concern about the spreading of sewage sludge on fields in and around the Falkirk area; understands that over 1,300 members of the community have submitted letters of objection regarding the practice to Falkirk Council; notes that community councils in the Falkirk area have lodged a petition with the Public Petitions Committee regarding sewage sludge spreading; understands that the spreading of human sewage on fields in the Falkirk area has aggravated health problems among local residents, including those with lung conditions and asthma, and prevented residents from opening windows, hanging out laundry or sitting outside during the summer months; further understands that sludge has been spilt onto roads during transportation and that a local primary school sports day had to be cancelled due to the stench from the sludge making children vomit; acknowledges that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Water, Falkirk Council and the Scottish Government are responsible for oversight of the various stages of sewage sludge treatment, transportation and spreading and that the Scottish Government is currently conducting a review of waste spreading in Scotland, and notes the view that there is merit in exploring alternative ways of treating human sewage as well as ensuring that the current practice is meticulously monitored so that local communities are not adversely affected.