Ballast water proposals to be debated next month

Islands councillors were briefed, today, on the results of detailed, scientific analysis and assessment of a proposed new ballast water policy for Scapa Flow.

A two-and-a-half hour seminar provided an opportunity for elected members to ask a range of questions about the assessment, which was supported by a study programme carried out for Orkney Islands Council by specialist scientific advisers.

According to the council, the seminar ensured that councillors have full background knowledge of the scientific analysis and the advice from key agencies. The aim was to enable a fully informed discussion when the policy and resources committee meets, in public, on November 14, to debate whether the proposed new policy should be adopted by the local authority.

OIC convener, Councillor Steven Heddle, said: “We believe that the study is the most detailed of its kind undertaken in Scotland and almost certainly elsewhere in the UK as well.

“The scientific analysis appears to be robust and as good as it is possible for us to get. I am confident that that this information – and the advice provided for us by council officials and our scientific advisers – will help to ensure we are as well informed as we can be when we debate this next month.

“This is a critically important issue for Orkney and I look forward to a full and thorough discussion at committee.”

A meeting of the Orkney Marine Environmental Protection Committee takes place tomorrow, Thursday, where OIC officials and representatives of the council’s scientific advisers will be present to answer questions on the proposed ballast water policy and on the study.