| Western Isles Being Treated As ‘Second Class Citizens’ |
4 June 2003 |
The Western Isles are being treated as second class citizens by BNFL, the operators at Sellafield, the Environmental Services Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar heard today. In a presentation to the Committee, Rick Nickerson of KIMO said that the ship used to transport nuclear waste from the plant was ill equipped for the job. The Atlantic Osprey has a chequered history, most recently breaking down in March of this year and having to be towed back to harbour. There is no double hull on the vessel and no armaments to deter terrorist attacks. Mr. Nickerson said: “BNFL has two state of the art ships for transporting nuclear waste but in Europe they use a ship which is unfit for the job. There is no way they would use that ship to transport to Japan. It puts coastlines in Europe, including those of the Western Isles through the transportation of nuclear waste from Dounreay to Sellafield, at serious risk and is treating us as second class citizens.” Chairman of Environmental Services, Mr. Angus Nicolson, said: “We really need more control over how shipping areas like the Minch are used, particularly with regard to nuclear cargoes. This is an important issue for the Western Isles and I will be seeking to have the matter brought before the Joint Working Party on Tanker Traffic in the Minch”. Mr. Nickerson’s presentation also covered issues such as radioactivity in food and the Environment and the particular issues surrounding Tc-99. The Environmental Services Committee also welcomed the fact that the Defence Science and Technology laboratory have been asked to carry out research into the historical records relating to the testing of biological weapons off the coast of Lewis. KIMO is the local authority environmental group which includes members from 10 countries and represents over 110 local authorities. The organisation’s objectives include exchanging information, lobbying and making joint representations against threatening proposals. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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