PLANS have been submitted for the final capping of the three remaining ash lagoons at Low Valleyfield.

Scottish Power are confident their proposals, submitted to Fife Council last week, will remove the risk of “fugitive” dust emissions and turn the land into a nature reserve.

The energy company was criticised heavily last year and had to apologise after ash clouds from the lagoons hung over West Fife villages for several weeks, prompting health concerns and enforcement action.

And earlier this month they had to allay fears from local residents who reported large accumulations of dust on their cars and windows – it turned out it had come from elsewhere with the company stating that “no dust has lifted off the lagoons”.

Other than the restoration works, which include creating areas for wildlife, Scottish Power have “no current specific plans” for the long-term use of the site.

A statement on their behalf said: “Proposals for the three remaining ash lagoons were agreed as part of the restoration plans for the wider ash lagoons site as part of the 1992 planning permission, with capping works having already been undertaken at lagoons elsewhere on the wider site.

“The primary objective of the proposed final capping and engineering works is to remove the risk of further fugitive dust emissions, as occurred during spring 2017.

“Whilst measures have been implemented to minimise such risks, these measures are of a temporary nature and the applicant’s priority is the implementation of a long-term/permanent solution.”

The plans, which they said “significantly exceed” what the energy firm are required to do under the terms of their permit, include landscaping, dust suppression, drainage, sea wall repairs, the demolition of the office complex and monitoring for gas, leachate, groundwater and dust.

Low-lying areas capable of flooding, for roosting and wading birds, will be created with other areas set aside for soil and grass, small trees, gorse bushes, shrubs and wild flowers.

The proposals now include new footpath and viewing areas, including bird hides, benches and information boards. The statement added: “While there appeared to be general support amongst attendees for the principle of the proposed development, a number of attendees queried the applicant’s longer-term intentions for the site, as well as making their own suggestions.

“Beyond the proposed development and ongoing management activities, the applicant continues to prioritise the elimination of the risk of further dust blows and has no current specific plans for development at the site.”