Sewage sludge fuel ruled a pollutant
23 Dec 04
Scottish Power stopped from using dried pellets to fire power station
Scottish Power has hit a legal obstacle in its use of dried pellets of sewage sludge as fuel in its Longannet Power Station.
Lord Reed in the Court of Session upheld a challenge by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), holding that sewage is a waste product and not a fuel and therefore subject to stricter EU pollution controls. The material contains pollutants such as heavy metals.
The ruling means that Scottish Water, who supplied the pellets, will have to look for alternative means of disposal - which could be more expensive and less environmentally friendly.
It is understood that an appeal is being considered.
Lord Reed's opinion can be read online at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/p1876_03.html