Campaigners against the expansion of a sewage plant in Ardersier are planning a three-day beach protest to persuade Scottish Water to use green technology.
Organisers Ardersier Foundation believe there is still time to reverse plans by the utility to upgrade the waste treatment plant in a bid to serve a growing population in the area.
The aim is to hold the demonstration from February 3-6.
Objectors to the £11million plans want Scottish Water to meet with the community to discuss the possibility of using reed bed systems which use reeds in ponds to convert ammonia from sewage to produce clean water. They say the technology is easier to install and less costly.
But a Scottish Water spokesman said their technology is “recognised industry-wide as proven and an environmentally responsible approach for treating waste water” that is appropriate to the area.
Work started in December to install specialist UV technology which promises to improve water quality before it is discharged into the Moray Firth.
And yesterday the spokesman said that Highland Council confirmed that planning conditions have been met and work to “meet the area’s growth needs” started on Thursday.
Objectors to the waste treatment plant have concerns about the impact of bad smells on tourists visiting Fort George and an increase in heavy traffic through the village.
Yesterday Ardersier Foundation chairwoman Abby Reardon said that the aim will be to stage a “peaceful protest as a community”, adding: “We just want to sit down and ask if we can have this type of eco technology. We have tried to have that discussion but they have refused to sit down and talk to us face to face.
“I honestly don’t think it’s too late to stop what’s happening. The original planning was about 10 years ago and so much has changed since then. Tornagrain actually wanted the reed-bed system because they wanted an eco town. We are not against Tornagrain or any other development but are against irresponsible infrastructure.
“The feeling in the village is one of devastation because those who have worked so hard know there is still time to change and Scottish Water can lead the way. If Scottish Water and Highland Council really want to work with our community, please look at the alternative.
The Scottish Water spokesman added: “The purpose of these essential improvements in the Ardersier area is to protect and enhance the environment while meeting the needs of housing and economic growth locally – including developments at Tornagrain, Inverness Airport and Castle Stuart.”
