Environmental, Waste and Renewables Update

Here is a summary of today's Environmental, Waste and Renewables news:

BBC: Noise and disruption fears over new quarry plans

Fears have been raised that a proposed new quarry near Elgin could drive people away from a rural community.  Aberdeen-based firm Leiths (Scotland) Ltd has submitted a planning application to Moray Council for the sand and gravel quarry and cement works.  Residents have said the site near the village of Thomshill is less than a 330ft (100m) from some people's homes and the noise and dust would cause people to move away.  Leiths planning application said there would be no significant noise or dust impacts. BBC Scotland News has approached them for comment.

Click here to read BBC: Noise and disruption fears over new quarry plans.

Insider: Plans lodged for 29-turbine wind farm near Campbeltown

Plans for a significant new wind farm project near Campbeltown, featuring 29 turbines, have been lodged with Argyll and Bute Council.  A section 36 application has been submitted by the Scottish Government for the development of the Cnoc Buidhe wind energy hub, which is situated roughly 10km northwest of the town. The public can now scrutinise the proposed plans, with the council expected to deliver their feedback by early May.  LUC (Land Use Consultants) have provided a design and access statement revealing potential turbine heights will range from 180 to 200 metres.

Click here to read Insider: Plans lodged for 29-turbine wind farm near Campbeltown.

Scottish Construction Now: Solar scheme set to help power Gorbals water pumps

A £636,000 solar project which will help pump water to thousands of customers in South Ayrshire is now complete. The scheme, which will help save 78 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year, has seen 793 roof and ground mounted solar panels installed at the Gorbals water pumping station, as well as on top of the neighbouring large drinking water tank.  The panels are expected to generate 0.39GWh of energy annually – the same as boiling 1.7 million kettles – which will meet almost 17% of the site’s power needs.

Click here to read Scottish Construction Now: Solar scheme set to help power Gorbals water pumps.

The Herald: North Sea chief makes call to back domestic energy firms

Shares in Deltic Energy leapt by 25% from a historically low base after the company disclosed that a key North Sea prospect is estimated to contain significantly greater recoverable gas volumes than previously thought. The energy minnow declared the Selene gas discovery it is aiming to develop with Shell is now estimated to contain 174 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gross 2C contingent resources - 33% more than previously estimated. It updated its forecast of the value it expects to generate for gas extracted from the well.

Click here to read The Herald: North Sea chief makes call to back domestic energy firms.