A Black Isle councillor has raised a number of environmental concerns about proposals for a new development in Nigg.
Councillor Craig Fraser lodged his concerns at yesterday’s north planning meeting in Inverness as Global Energy’s pre-application notice to construct a new east quay was up for discussion.
The proposals include dredging and filling, and the formation of a lay-down area for the handling and temporary storage of North Sea oil-related and renewable energy components.
Mr Fraser said he had concerns about a number of environmental issues.
He said: “Cromarty residents’ lives have been blighted over the years with noise and light pollution from within the Cromarty Firth.
“They get the hassle of 24 hour working where noise guidelines are exceeded and light pollution is uncontrolled.
“I wish to see proposals on how the applicant will mitigate these concerns.”
Mr Fraser said he wanted to see developer contributions discussed between Global Energy, the local community council and Cromarty development trust, and a ‘robust’ Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
He said: “The Cromarty/Moray Firth is a Special Area of Conservation. Nigg Bay is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and close to the Udal Bay SSSI and Ramsar (wetland of international importance) site.
“The EIA should include the effects of subsea disturbance on the resident Bottle-nosed dolphin population.”
A spokesman for Global Energy said: “We welcome the opportunity to engage with the local communities to hear their views and any concerns they may have. We have maintained excellent relationships with the local communities representatives through our regular community liaison meetings over these past few years.
“A public meeting is scheduled for the May 21 in the West Church, Cromarty to discuss our Marine License application. We look forward to discussing our plans with the local Councillor and any other interested parties at that time.”
He added: “We have already commenced our EIA which will address all of the environmental concerns highlighted by the councillor as well as other additional aspects.”
