Objectors opposing £25m Easter Ross biogas plant near Fearn slam economic, environmental and social impacts in call to Highland Council to demand detailed assessments
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OBJECTORS to plans for a bid to establish a £25m anaerobic digestion plant (ADP) in Easter Ross say it would have "severe economic, environmental and social impacts" on the area.
Last month, Acorn Bioenergy outlined proposals to produce "clean, green biogas" using crops and by-products from local farms and distilleries by creating an ADP on a 7.5-hectare site at Fearn Airfield, near Balintore.
Acorn says it wants to develop new ADPs in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire and outlined plans for a total investment in Scotland over the next two years of around £105m.
The Easter Ross proposals have already been the subject of public meetings and local councillors previously sought more details on the number of HGV trips that would be required to the plant.
It has already attracted around 100 objections from members of the public since being lodged with Highland Council.
Objectors gathering at Balintore Harbour to oppose the plans warned it would have severe economic, environmental and social impacts across the Highlands with the farming, tourism and hospitality sectors all affected.
A statement released by local objectors gathered around a 'Say no to gas plant' sign said: "NFU Scotland have estimated more than half of Easter Ross prime agricultural land would be required to feed this plant."
They also question whether Highland Council should require Acorn to use Ofgem’s most recent definition of waste, which would exclude the inclusion of draff and straw, used in livestock businesses.
They say councillors have a responsibility to ensure prospective developments realize the best interests of
community resources and that in recognition an economic and environmental impact assessment was requested for this application.
They say the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) highlighted the challenges in overcoming the safety issues raised with the proposal and were "sufficiently concerned they recommended Acorn find an alternative site".
The statement goes on: "Considering serious safety concerns have been raised by the CAA and others, why is there no safety risk assessment available?
"Current government policy is to reduce gas utilization, then paradoxically support international
investors to produce gas, perpetuating the very environmental effects they apparently wish to
mitigate! Even more damaging is their flawed strategy of shifting vast swaths of arable land from food
production to gas production, all amidst an apparent food and cost-of living crisis!
"If we need gas we can take it from the North Sea, let’s stop being fooled by the ‘greenwashing’. There is no doubt this plant will benefit the landowner and local distilleries, sadly this gain will be at the expense of residents, tourists and small businesses across the wider community.
"All things considered, we respectfully request Highland Council ensure detailed economic and environmental impact and safety risk assessments be completed and their findings made public before deciding this application."
A spokesman for Acorn Bioenergy said: “We are aware of the concerns being expressed by a number of local people and will make sure these are addressed during the ongoing planning process.”
