Staff from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency took emergency action today to remove asbestos from a demolition site in Burghead.

Asbestos, a hazardous waste, was found during demolition of the old chemical works in Burghead, but it had been safely secured in skips inside the site. However, SEPA became aware on Wednesday that the site was no longer secure and that the asbestos could potentially pose a threat to human health. SEPA immediately instructed the site contractor to remove the asbestos, and an undertaking to do so was given. However, the material was still on site this morning and attempts to contact the contractor and site owner failed.

SEPA decided that urgent action was needed to protect human health, and contracted a registered waste carrier to clear the site today. The material has been safely removed.

SEPA staff are currently on site gathering evidence about the incident, and it is likely that a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.