A Labour MSP has demanded a meeting with the head of the environmental safety agency over Scotland’s clinical waste crisis.
Health spokeswoman Monica Lennon wants SEPA chief executive Terry A’Hearn to explain what is being done to clear up and other infectious material at a depot in Shotts, Lanarkshire.
The site was run by Healthcare Environmental Services (HES) until in December. Spanish firm Tradebe has taken over the contract to dispose of NHS waste but a huge backlog remains at the deserted incineration plant.
In a letter to A’Hearn, Lennon said: “This is an extremely serious matter and people are rightly worried.
“I am aware SEPA issued enforcement notices in September 2018 and again in December 2018, and that regular inspections are being carried out.
“It is now over eight months since the first notice and the bottom line is that the clinical waste remains on site. I would be grateful if you could explain why.”
She also challenged SEPA advice in March that there was no immediate concern for health or the environment.
She said: “This conflicts with reports from my constituents. I would welcome the opportunity to visit the site with SEPA.”
HES collapsed with the loss of about 300 jobs after the NHS pulled contracts it claimed the firm was failing to fulfil.
The company blamed issues with UK incineration capacity. Since Tradebe took over, the cost of disposal is understood to have doubled, and much of Scotland’s waste is being transported to England.
HES is now going through a liquidation process. SEPA confirmed a meeting with Lennon.They added: “SEPA has been in communication with the interim liquidators to ensure the environment and communities remain safeguarded.
“Our officers continue to maintain regular site inspections and to date are satisfied that there is no immediate risk to the environment or local communities.
“We continue to support the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and health boards as part of the ongoing contingency arrangements, to ensure that clinical waste across all NHS boards continues to be stored, collected and disposed of appropriately.
“All contingency measures will ensure that environmental and human health are appropriately protected.”
