В Файфе опровергли слухи об изменении процедур дноуглубительных работ в Форте

Fifers have been reassured that no changes have been made to dredging procedures in the Forth after concerns over dumping were raised. Rosyth councillor Brian Goodall had asked for an update back in June on the current situation after locals had expressed fears that changes had taken place. At the time he said: “It seems to me to be an issue that has consequences especially for the Rosyth ward but I am sure for other areas. “I understand where the silt is now being dumped could be impacting on the sea grass meadow at Limekilns but also have an impact on silting at Charlestown Harbour.” His concerns resulted in an update being provided to Fife Council’s South and West Fife area committee when Scott Cameron from Forth Ports provided reassurances that no changes had been made. He said: “The councillor had said the approach to dredging had changed in recent years and was now disposing further up the river rather than at sea. “That is not the case. We have never been disposing at sea. Previously we have disposed at Bo’ness spoil ground. “We have been using that since 1977 and the volume that has been deposited has remained pretty much the same. “There has not really been a change in our process or the volumes of the materials of where it is being deposited.” Cllr Goodall was pleased to hear the update. “The information I have been provided had come from a member of the public at the community council meeting of Charlestown, Pattiesmuir and Limekilns so it is good to get that reassurance,” he added. Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor Patrick Browne was also satisfied with the response. “In terms of dredging I don’t think it will come as a surprise that there is dredging off the Forth,” he said. “I see it regularly and if community councils are being notified of licence applications and changes then, as far as I am concerned, that ticks the boxes. “In terms of reassurance, it think it is great. There has been a bit of misinformation which hopefully today has been corrected.” Forth Ports is not the only company involved in dredging in this area however. Two years ago Babcock applied for a licence to remove thousands of tonnes of material from the river bed over a three year period. It was to do with the £1.25 billion ships - five Type-31 frigates - they're building for the Royal Navy. The defence firm explained that clearing the approaches to the dockyard would make it easier for 'float-off' - a modern, low-risk process for entering a ship into water. The application to the Scottish Government for a marine licence for 'maintenance and capital dredging and sea disposal' was granted.