Drainage of loch for coal mine: Ministers asked to overrule SEPA

Drainage of loch for coal mine: Ministers asked to overrule SEPA

Scottish Coal's plan to drain Loch Fitty near Dunfermline, to allow access to 3.4 million tonnes of coal beneath the loch, has been authorised by SEPA. Apparently the company's promise to restore the site by 2020 makes a contribution to sustainable development that outweighs the damage to the water environment and impact on the local community. Also SEPA believes there are no other affordable sources of coal in Scotland that would cause less damage. Kingseat Community Council, represented by Highland Environmental Law, has asked Scottish Ministers to intervene and call a public inquiry.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/environment/watchdog-under-fire-for-allowing-loch-to-be-drained-for-coal-mine.20021958

27 Jan 2013 08:11

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