CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, and Donna Collins, a Conservative Councillor for Dunbar and East Linton ward, have warned that “lessons must be learned” by the multi-agency group responsible for responding to the recent landfill fire near Dunbar.
The call by the MSP and Councillor follows recent meetings held by the pair with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Valencia Waste Management, who operate the landfill site.
The fire was reported at 5pm on Monday 26 August, when smoke from the landfill site enveloped Skateraw, and following this Councillor Donna Collins claims that she attempted to reach out to SEPA to ask for advice to pass on to local residents but did not receive a response. Safety advice for residents, which included to close their windows and remain indoors was not issued by the multi-agency group until 30 hours after the fire was reported. In that time changing wind direction resulted in Thurston Manor, Pinkerton and Thorntonloch being covered in smoke which residents found difficulty breathing in.
Craig Hoy MSP said: “Following constructive meetings with Valencia and SEPA, Cllr Donna Collins and I have passed on our concerns that the multi-agency group responsible for responding to the fire at the landfill site, which includes East Lothian Council, the Fire Service and NHS Lothian, should have issued safety advice much sooner than they did. The initial failure to communicate resulted in misinformation being spread about the fire on local community Facebook groups, and residents not being informed on the proper course of action to stay safe during the fire.
“For future incidents of a similar nature, it may be helpful to spread safety information on to Facebook and distribute safety information by leaflet for residents to be made aware of the situation.
“I am grateful to Valencia and SEPA for having agreed to pass on these concerns to the multi-agency group, however lessons must be learned from all parties involved.”
Cllr Donna Collins said: “Valencia and SEPA were quick to engage with us after the event and I appreciate their willingness to do so. I also would like to thank them for their meetings and being receptive to our concerns and our advice for any future incidents.
“Communication is the key to any incident large or small. To alleviate concerns of the local population. A proactive approach has been welcomed for any incidents going forward, with a faster and more hands on approach to local communication on the ground.
“I also welcome the restarting of the Valencia Liason Group , which will help re engage the company with the local community.”
