Comhairle’s Delight at U -Turn in Jambo Plans

10 July 2003

Following representation by the Vice Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and others, the Maritime Salvage and Intervention agency has abandoned plans to dump cargo from the stricken MV Jambo, into waters west of the Hebrides.

The Secretary of State’s representative, Robin Middleton, today responded to concerns voiced by Cllr. Angus Campbell over plans to dispose of the MV Jambo cargo at sea in close proximity to the Western Isles. Mr. Middleton confirmed that the intention is to recover as much cargo as possible although it will still t be processed at sea before being brought ashore for disposal. He added: “There has never been a serious proposal that the cargo could be disposed of into the sea.”

He noted, however, that the plans for the cargo to undergo a filtration process in the waters of mid Minch and abandon contaminated water there would have to be carefully examined. Mr. Middleton assured the agencies who have expressed concern that if water is to be returned to the sea there will be precautions to ensure that the minimal amount of suspended cargo is returned with it and the water returned is fully dispersed and released in an area where environmental impact will be least.

He could not guarantee if an extra filtration process would be available to the Jambo and its cargo, which would decrease substantially the amount of suspended product in the water. This remains a major concern of Cllr. Campbell and representatives of the Health Board and Highland Council who had also expressed their worries in writing.

Councillor Campbell is due to meet with the Agency tomorrow (Thursday) in Ullapool to outline in person the Comhairle’s great concern over these remaining plans. He said:

‘Even if the cargo filtration is carried out as promised, there will still be up to 220 kilogrammes of zinc and cadmium left in the waters of the Minch. That will have a potentially serious impact on our marine ecosystem and I will be seeking assurances that every care will be taken to minimise this threat.’

It is hoped that operations on the cargo vessel will begin next week. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will now be actively informed of the progress of these procedures and a representative from the Harbour Authority will be appointed for consultation on salvage operations.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk