Irreparable damage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest is bad enough but when the proposal involves constructing a coal-fired power station, then its clear that a major battle is looming.
On the Outer Clyde, Southannan sands is the largest remaining area of intertidal habitat left. It’s important for wading birds such as oystercatchers and redshanks as well as wildfowl.
The RSPB is completely opposed to plans by the energy giant DONG (it stands for Danish Oil and Natural Gas so no tittering in the cheap seats please) to construct a coal fired power station at Hunterston. It will not only directly damage an important site but will drive a coach and horses through any attempt to reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Claims that Hunterston will be fitted with Carbon Capture and Storage technology are scant comfort as they will at best only be partial and then only if the technologies prove to be commercially and economically viable.
As is often the case, the initial battle-lines form around the process, rather than the substance of a proposal, and the Hunterston story is already following a familiar pattern. This is being led by a local campaign.
Here’s the link if you want to read more and find out how to help.