Waste incinerator plans

The go-ahead to base a controversial animal-product waste incinerator beside a petrol station is being backed by council planning officials.

Some 43 objections plus a 35-signature strong petition have been lodged against the proposal install a four tonne incinerator in the existing bus garage near fuel pumps at Crossroads filling station in Benbecula.

The plant would burn dead fish and salmon farm waste which is presently buried on land.

Objectors maintain it is too close to the petrol station forecourt and raise the potential for sparks or hot gasses escaping from the flue igniting petrol or diesel fumes.

Other concerns include health implications due to ash, odours and noxious smells as well as worries over the storage of animal waste, spillage into the surrounding environment and the proposal being sited within a primarily residential area, close to homes, two hotels and numerous B&Bs.

A lack of information over handling procedures delayed a planning decision.

Backing for controversial waste incinerator

Now planning officials recommend applicant George Macdonald should be given permission for the development.

In a written submission, Mr Macdonald said: “Fish farming in the Uists is fast becoming one of the largest industries we have, if not already there.

“And the largest problem with that industry is dealing with the waste. My proposal offers the best solution to this problem in terms of waste management and environmental safety as well as offering a significant reduction in landfill requirements and resulting in a reusable product.”

He points out the building is already on an industrial site and “odour from this unit is negligible“ while there will be “no waste stored on site.”

In addition, the incinerator is designed so there will be “ no sparks or ash leaving the flue outlet of the incinerator,” with extra precautions taken by a spark arrestor.

Objectors are concerned over safety issues.

One stated: “The location of the building is adjacent to a petrol station forecourt – there are health and safety implications with the potential for sparks or hot gasses escaping from the flue, igniting airborne fumes from petrol and diesel.

“The prevailing wind will increase the chance of this happening.”

Another islander maintained: “The development should be sited in an industrial area and in a less populated area not in the middle of a residential area which supports tourism - hotels, B&B and self-catering.

Planners are due to debate the application next week.

21 November 2014