20 Fort Jobs Up For Grabs WIth Opening Of Biomass Plant

Proposals have been unveiled for a multimillion-pound biomass plant on an industrial site near Fort William which could create up to 20 jobs.

But the plant, which would operate round the clock, has already given rise to worries from the local community about emissions, noise and visual impact as well as serious concerns about its viability and sustainability

The proposal has been revealed by Peel Energy whose Peel Ports company has a controlling interest in the ClydePort group and its land at Annat, near Corpach, on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

The company’s intention is to import 240,000 tonnes of clean wood, including chips, sawdust, bark and sawmill products, which would be sourced locally and delivered daily by 37 26-tonne lorries although sea and rail connections could be used in future.

The chipping and mixing of materials would be carried out in the company’s harbour compound on the site of the former pulp mill’s storage area.

The plant would operate round the clock with an expected 25-year life span. Its chimney would be 167ft with the turbine housing at 137ft, six times higher than nearby industrial buildings.

The company intends holding a public exhibition in early October at Kilmallie Hall and Treslaig Hall.

Peel Energy’s development manager Jonathan Burley said yesterday: “We are still carrying out detailed technical and environmental studies on the site. We believe this is a good location for a biomass plant which takes advantage of the site's portside location and builds on the existing timber trade handled at the harbour.”

He added: “We have had some initial discussions with relevant local groups and we will shortly be announcing full details of our plans for consultation with the local community on our proposals.”

But more than a dozen neighbouring villagers have already made their views known at a meeting organised by Ardgour Community Council and chaired by Tony Boyd, whose company is involved in the joint venture, Clyde Boyd.

Among them was local Highland councillor Michael Foxley, who lives on the loch-side. He said: “It was clear from the meeting that there were many more questions than answers.

“Very serious concerns were expressed by the local community about the visual impact as well as noise and pollution. Great doubt was also expressed about the viability and sustainability of the plant. Thirty seven 26-tonne truck movements through Corpach will have a major impact upon that community as empty lorries leaving will double that number.”

It is the latest biomass project to be unveiled in Lochaber.

Dumfries-based Northern Energy Developments has run into strong opposition from villagers over its plans for a biomass facility at Invergarry.

Belgian-based owners of the former Arjo Wiggins were offered a £5million government grant towards creating a £23million biomass project at Corpach, but it was not taken up and the mill closed with the loss of 120 jobs.

There have also been plans in the pipeline for a £30million biomass power plant at the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter at Fort William, which would provide power for 40,000 homes.