Invergordon fishmeal removal due to begin on Monday

Following the fire at Port of Invergordon on 25 January 2010, fishmeal has been stored in the open at Invergordon Harbour. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been working with Skretting, the Port Authority, DEFRA and The Highland Council to ensure that this waste is removed and disposed of in an appropriate way to avoid further pollution of the environment.

Colin Craig, SEPA's Unit Manager in Dingwall, said:

"We have been receiving complaints over the last few (weeks) directly and via our 24 hour pollution hotline, and we appreciate that there has been an odour issue for those living and working nearby. While we have been working to get this issue resolved, due to the delay in starting the removal operation SEPA served Notice on Skretting to have the fishmeal removed on the 19th February.  We understand that The Highland Council are also investigating the use of their powers to speed up the removal of the material.

"Today (19 February) Skretting have appointed a company to remove the waste fishmeal and this work is scheduled to start on Monday (22 February).

"We will continue to monitor the situation and would urge anyone with any further concerns to contact SEPA's pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60."

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