Controversial Irvine incinerator moves a step closer

Furious Irvine anti-pollution campaigners are stepping up their fight against a hugely controversial incinerator after a ruling saw it move closer towards going into operation.

Last week, after a delay of nearly five years, SEPA ( Scottish Environment Protection Agency) published the draft permit for the incinerator at Oldhall, Irvine.

This means the incinerator will be allowed to operate, with what Irvine Without Incinerators say are “consequences to local health; damage to the environment; and reduction to recycling rates”.

Oldhall artist's impression. — Oldhall artist’s impression. LDRS

Now there is a three-week window during which objections may be sent by any member of the public.

SEPA said in their deliberations: “Based on the information available at the time of the determination, SEPA is satisfied that the applicant will be the person who will have control over the operation of the installation and will ensure that the installation is operated to comply with the draft Conditions proposed.

“SEPA is further satisfied that the applicant will be able to operate the installation such that they will use all appropriate preventative measures against pollution, in particular through the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and that no significant pollution is caused.

“SEPA is therefore minded to issue a permit to allow the proposed activity to operate.”

More than 1000 such objections have already been sent via the online platform – https://act.foe.scot/stop-oldhall-incinerator – facilitated by Friends of the Earth (Scotland), with many more expected.

Local campaigners point out that the decision comes at a bad time for incinerators.

Last week it was revealed that the Beddington incinerator, in South London, which operates under a similar permit, has broken air pollution limits 916 times in the few years of its operation.

Locals are asking if this will also happen in Ayrshire, where there is a particularly high incidence of respiratory diseases.

A letter is being delivered to Lynne McNiven, NHS Ayrshire & Arran director of public health, calling on the authority to oppose the project on health grounds.

Richard Leat, a member of Irvine without Incinerators and Irvine Community Council, said: “Both of the UK’s Environmental Protection Agencies (SEPA and Environment Agency) are failing to protect our environment.

“The issuing of a draft permit for the incinerator in Irvine, Ayrshire highlights the failings of the agencies that regulate pollution, especially in the light of the blatant disregard of the existing regulations at the Beddington incinerator in South London.”

Campaigners have studied the permit and are keen to clarify that the permit issued by SEPA states that the Irvine incinerator will not be monitored by SEPA.

It will operate on a self reporting basis, risking the danger that data will be managed for financial, rather than environmental advantage.

There is also concern about the repeated use of the phrase, Best Available Technology(BAT) in the document.

Under BAT, coal-fired power stations are effectively banned due to their emission of greenhouse gases.

Incinerators, which produce more greenhouse gases than coal fired power stations, per unit of electricity produced, are not banned.

Not only is this not BAT, but also allowing an incinerator to pollute whilst not allowing a coal fired plant to, is discriminatory.

Irvine without Incinerators expects that with such a large response to the consultation the full permit will be in doubt. SEPA will be accepting responses until September 22.