'Robust' debates over planned pump storage hydro schemes using Loch Ness
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Concerns about the scale and impact of planned pump storage hydro schemes using Loch Ness have been raised during "robust" debates.
A series of public meetings are taking place as part of a campaign by the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board (DSFB) which is calling for an immediate moratorium on further development of such schemes.
It says dramatic fluctuations in the level of the loch due to hydro power "industrialisation" could spell disaster for its fragile ecosystem and the Ness’s wild salmon population.
It is also concerned about the potential impacts of low water levels on boating including the RNLI's rescue boat at Drumnadrochit.
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The Ness DSFB's campaign has been launched following the submission of a planning application for the Loch Kemp pump storage scheme by Statera and the acquisition of the previously approved Red John scheme by Europe’s largest hydro power generator Statkraft.
Brian Shaw, director of the Ness DSFB, said that when operational the Loch Kemp and Red John schemes, combined with the existing Foyers hydro scheme, will be able to raise or lower the level of Loch Ness by as much as 73cm (2ft 5ins) overnight.
Meetings took place in Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit this week although a meeting planned to take place at the Glenmoriston Hall has been rescheduled due to heavy snow. It will now take place on January 30 at 7pm.
Meetings will also be held on Monday January 22 at Dores Village Hall and on Thursday January 25 at Wildside Centre in Whitebridge at 7pm.
Mr Shaw said this week's meetings attracted a proactive audience.
"In the spirit of village hall meetings, there were a range of views expressed and some robust debate but the overwhelming feeling amongst those attending was one of concern regarding the scale and impact of the proposed developments," he said.
Mr Shaw said that the meetings had highlighted problems encountered by the Loch Ness RNLI crew and cruise boat operators at Fort Augustus last summer due to low water levels.
He was concerned that if all the schemes using Loch Ness went ahead, the water levels would be at a low level more frequently and for greater duration than previously encountered.
A petition calling for a halt on new and larger developments on Loch Ness has gathered more than 800 signatures since being launched two weeks ago.
A spokesperson for Statera Energy said: "We have had discussions over the last two years with Mr Shaw and we are happy to continue these to allay the fears he has expressed on behalf of NDFB.
"However, we have conducted a thorough environmental impact assessment as part of our planning application with an agreed scope set by statutory consultees and ECU which cover the impacts, mitigation and compensation.
"We firmly believe Loch Kemp Pumped Hydro and pumped hydro generally can be part of the solution to the issues of fluctuating water levels on Loch Ness which are already being affected by climate change and will likely get worse without action.
"Loch Kemp Pumped Hydro will not alter the upper and lower levels of Loch Ness that are currently experienced and pumped hydro could help support wider schemes of improvement for all stakeholders’ benefit."
