Lochgelly residents have called for permanent air monitoring as the first turbines of a windfarm are being erected near a petrochemical plant, The Courier has reported.

In a case with wide-reaching implications for planning policy and the renewable industry, they fear that benzene from Fife Ethylene Plant, run by ExxonMobil, could be dispersed by the rotating blades.

Their fears are backed up by a recent Glasgow University study, which said there are 'justified concerns' about turbines near industrial plants and more research is needed.

A petition has been launched in Lochgelly, one of the nearest settlements to Little Raith windfarm, calling for permanent monitoring at several locations.

-- Advertisement --

The farm was given planning permission on the condition that pollutants be monitored, but those behind the petition feel the requirements do not go far enough.

Campaigner James Glen said: ''There is ongoing concern about pollutants from Mossmorran and the windfarm could increase the risk these pose.

''It is time to get some answers and, ultimately, we need the data so we can clearly quantify the risks.

He said permanent monitoring was necessary so residents could know data about pollutants on the "erratic" days the plant operates.

Community councillor Eileen McKenna called for independent monitoring and said: ''I would also like to see some background history of windfarms close to petrochemical plants, if there are any, and find out whether Fife Council or the Scottish Government, which is pushing for these windfarms, have done any research on the matter.''

Stephen Klein of Kennedy Renewables, who are behind the nine-turbine windfarm, said: ''Whilst our research on the subject gives us confidence that the windfarm will not increase benzene levels, we need to prove this through the monitoring programme.''

He promised the company would comply with requirements as aid down by Fife Council.

(NE)