| Comhairle’s Progress with Jambo Decisions |
11 July 2003 |
| Vice Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, has achieved further concessions from the Maritime Salvage and Intervention agency following his successful meeting with the Ullapool-based salvage control unit today (Friday). “I am extremely pleased with the handling of salvage operations on the stricken MV Jambo, particularly the decision not to dispose of the cargo in waters west of the Hebrides,” he said. An extra filtration process has also been promised by the Agency, which will remove up to 95% of the remaining 3% of the suspended product left in the water. This is welcome news to Cllr. Campbell and representatives of the Health Board and Highland Council who had also expressed their worries in writing. Plans for the cargo to undergo an initial filtration process in the waters of mid Minch and abandon contaminated water there have, however, not been ruled out. Robin Middleton, the Secretary of State’s representative, yesterday assured that the water returned would be “fully dispersed and released in an area where environmental impact will be least.” Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highland Council have expressed a desire for this area to be in a deep sea region, at a safe distance from the Minch. The potentially serious threat to the marine ecosystem of the Western Isles is an unavoidable issue, one that will be vigorously highlighted by both Councils. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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