Chamber
Plenary, 18 Nov 1999
18 Nov 1999 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Domestic Water Supply (Bo'ness)
I have a great fondness and high regard for Bo'ness that goes back to a time a number of years ago when I was elected on the same day as Councillor Harry Constable. We got together the day after we were elected and the connection remains. I am pleased to be speaking in this debate tonight.
It is disturbing that the situation that Michael Matheson referred to has gone on for 10 years and that the people in Bo'ness have lost confidence in the authorities because of a saga of misinformation and through being ignored. The situation would be bad enough if a private business were involved, but it is not on for public bodies to treat the people who own and finance them this way. The practice of giving bad information seems to be the norm in some situations. A similar problem exists in the village of Greengairs. Although the problem is not connected with water pollution, the circumstances are almost identical.
Greengairs village is surrounded by the Shanks & McEwan landfill site. The gas arising from it is overpowering at times and can cause nausea and headaches in local residents. Recently, the smell has been much worse. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has admitted that the facility for dealing with landfill gas at the Greengairs site is struggling with the quantity of gas that is being produced. Four additional engines were needed to burn the excess gas, but implementation was delayed until the site could be connected to the national grid and Scottish Power could start work at the site.
Where I am leading to will become clear soon.
In addition to the smell, the local spring became polluted with ammonia as a result of leachate seeping from the landfill into the water supply. SEPA's reaction to the revelation was to dismiss it as not serious. While levels of ammonia may not have been high enough to cause major concern, the fact that contamination occurred was more of an issue.
Despite a sustained letter writing campaign and representations being made by local Councillor Sandra Cox, which was similar to the situation that Michael Matheson referred to—
It is disturbing that the situation that Michael Matheson referred to has gone on for 10 years and that the people in Bo'ness have lost confidence in the authorities because of a saga of misinformation and through being ignored. The situation would be bad enough if a private business were involved, but it is not on for public bodies to treat the people who own and finance them this way. The practice of giving bad information seems to be the norm in some situations. A similar problem exists in the village of Greengairs. Although the problem is not connected with water pollution, the circumstances are almost identical.
Greengairs village is surrounded by the Shanks & McEwan landfill site. The gas arising from it is overpowering at times and can cause nausea and headaches in local residents. Recently, the smell has been much worse. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has admitted that the facility for dealing with landfill gas at the Greengairs site is struggling with the quantity of gas that is being produced. Four additional engines were needed to burn the excess gas, but implementation was delayed until the site could be connected to the national grid and Scottish Power could start work at the site.
Where I am leading to will become clear soon.
In addition to the smell, the local spring became polluted with ammonia as a result of leachate seeping from the landfill into the water supply. SEPA's reaction to the revelation was to dismiss it as not serious. While levels of ammonia may not have been high enough to cause major concern, the fact that contamination occurred was more of an issue.
Despite a sustained letter writing campaign and representations being made by local Councillor Sandra Cox, which was similar to the situation that Michael Matheson referred to—
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
I make my usual appeal to members who are leaving to do so quietly and quickly—and, on this occasion, to take their coats with them. We now move to the membe...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes with concern the on-going pollution of the domestic water supply in parts of Bo'ness with heavy metals; notes that East of Scotland...
Michael Matheson (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I welcome the opportunity to raise this important matter here this evening. I thank the minister and the First Minister for staying behind to debate this imp...
Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab):
Lab
As the constituency MSP for Falkirk East, I was somewhat surprised when I heard that this debate was to take place. It would have been a good idea if Michael...
Michael Matheson:
SNP
Cathy, you had several meetings with Falkirk Council that you did not inform me of and it was Falkirk Council itself that informed me about the European fund...
Cathy Peattie:
Lab
I had one meeting with Falkirk Council and suggested that at the next meeting we invite Michael along. It would have been a good idea to speak to me because ...
Mr Gil Paterson (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I have a great fondness and high regard for Bo'ness that goes back to a time a number of years ago when I was elected on the same day as Councillor Harry Con...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
I hope that you will return to the subject of Bo'ness fairly quickly and that you are providing an illustrative example.
Mr Paterson:
SNP
I guarantee it.The answers that Sandra Cox received wereunsatisfactory. It is unacceptable that authorities are being underhand and secretive and are rubbish...
Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
LD
Public confidence in water is critical. I hope that the minister will ensure that the confidence of the people of Bo'ness is restored by whatever means are n...
Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
congratulate Mr Matheson on bringing the issue to the Parliament's attention and to the minister's attention. One of the benefits of this Parliament is that ...
The Minister for Transport and the Environment (Sarah Boyack):
Lab
I would like to thank the members who have remained in the chamber to listen to the debate. I would also like to thank Michael Matheson for raising the issue...
Michael Matheson:
SNP
Will the minister give way?
Sarah Boyack:
Lab
No, I have only a few minutes and there are many points to answer.
Michael Matheson:
SNP
I have a very important point to make.
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
The minister has declined to give way.
Sarah Boyack:
Lab
Thank you, Presiding Officer. I was very patient when listening to Mr Matheson. The letter to which I am referring is that of 15 November, which, I assume, i...
Meeting closed at 17:44.