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A campaign for sustainable methods of waste management |
Binn Farm gasifier approved, Wed 10 Oct 2011
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Report by M. Gallagher of Green Alternatives to Incineration in Scotland
This morning the Development Control Committee of Perth and Kinross Council unanimously passed an application to build a waste gasification incinerator at Binn Farm, Glenfarg.
Speaking against the proposal, Ann Sangster of Abernethy Community Council spoke of the incompetence of the developers, SITA UK, whose landfill site at Binn Farm has caused terrible smells for years.
Mrs Sangster explained that a similar plant in Dumfries has been plagued with problems, including noise and hundreds of emergency emissions of noxious fumes.
"We ask that you postpone making a decision until the Dumfries plant has shown itself to be problem-free", said Mrs Sangster.
Michael Gallagher of Green Alternatives to Incineration in Scotland also expressed concern over the potential risk to health, citing shortcomings in the monitoring of waste incinerators.
"Dioxins, which can disrupt the mental and sexual development of infants, are only measured twice a year", said Mr Gallagher. In 2008 the Baldovie incinerator in Dundee was found to be emitting over 100 times the legal limit for dioxins.
Despite these, and other concerns about cost and environmental harm, committee members agreed to pass the proposals without any amendments.