The first meeting of liaison group for the Bowhill Recycling and Restoration Facility took place this week with local residents, representatives from the Purvis Group, RWE Innogy UK, Fife Council and local MSP Alex Rowley all in attendance.
There has been community concerns around noise, dust and transportation and these issues were discussed at the meeting with both companies involved in the operation of the site giving updates on actions that have been taken to minimise any issues for the community.
The Purvis group said that:-
Recycling and Restoration work had been undertaken since 1999 at the site.
The final phase of the restoration is now expected to be completed by 2021.
The recycling programme will continue indefinitely in line with planning permission already granted.
Purvis have responded to any and all complaints and issues that have been brought to their attention.
Fife Council stated that: –
Environmental staff deal with dust and nuisance complaints while Planning staff address compliance issues.
Staff have been monitoring the site and undertaking unannounced visits.
No complaints have been received this calendar year with the exception of one received on the morning of the meeting.
RWE explained that: –
Their section of the site is a wood store for burning at Markinch Power Plant.
A store of wood will always be kept on site to ensure continuity of supply to the plant.
Chipping is done at the site – this is virgin chip with a high water content. Chipping and is now undertaken at the bottom of the site.
A Dust Suppression Unit has been installed – the malfunction of the first unit caused issues and was replaced.
The closure of Tullis Russell will not affect the operation of the Plant – the power generated will go into the National Grid.
A Way Forward – It is good to talk
At the conclusion of the meeting everyone said it was ‘good to talk’ and agreed that the meeting had been worthwhile and that as well as continuing to have quarterly meetings, communications would be improved so that any issues will be brought to the attention of the companies so they can be addressed.
Photo shows all those in attendance
