SEPA Publishes Holy Loch Report
Issued on 1 September 1997 - Ref 29/97

A SEPA technical report published today (Monday 1 September 1997) confirms that the MOD clean-up of the Holy Loch is the best option. There should be no significant environmental damage caused by lifting the debris from the seabed.

‘SEPA will monitor water quality aspects independently of the surveys planned by MOD’s consultants,’ said Regional Director John Beveridge, ‘We have campaigned hard to persuade MOD to clean up the debris left on the seabed after the US forces withdrew in 1992 and welcome the decision by MOD to spend money on the clean-up.’

The report concludes that while the sediments contain certain high levels of trace metals, and organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the contamination is very localised. The research demonstrates that the toxic effects are unlikely to be dispersed if the clean up operation is carried out under carefully controlled conditions.

‘There has been considerable debate about whether it is better to ‘leave well alone’ or remove the debris from the seabed,’ said John Beveridge, ‘We undertook this research in order to be sure that our decision on the best course of action was based on sound science.

‘It would not be environmentally sustainable to leave it where it is. It is much better to remove it now than to wait and risk uncontrolled leaking of potentially toxic materials later. SEPA is confident that this is the right decision based on sound science.’

Attention was first drawn to the debris when marine scientists now employed by SEPA undertook an underwater camera survey in 1992 in response to concerns from the local community.

Copies of the Technical Report W97/01: Final Report; Holy Loch Seabed Clearance Project: SEPA West Region Survey of Sediment Contamination are available from Alison Hay, Public Affairs Officer, SEPA West, East Kilbride Tel: 01355 574200 at a cost of £10 inc. posting and packing.

ENDS

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© SEPA 1997