Tata must not be allowed to walk away from contaminated land in Lanarkshire
Scottish Greens are calling for clarity following a report that the public could be facing a multi-million pounds bill for clean up costs as a result of the Scottish Government's deal to buy and sell-on two Lanarkshire steel plants.
Insiders say the liability for cleaning up contaminated land, estimated to be at least £20m, now rests with the government rather than former owners Tata or new owners Liberty.
Kirsten Robb, Employment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP candidate for Central Scotland, said:
"Communities are still living with contamination at Ravenscraig and it could yet affect the wider area, decades after closure. In this most recent deal, it is vital that Tata are not allowed to walk away from contaminated land at Dalzell or Clydebridge. The government should be insisting on restoration bonds with claw back options so if the cost of decontamination is higher than the bond, Tata must still pay out.
"Meanwhile, there is a bright future for steel jobs if government can ensure Scottish infrastructure projects like shipbuilding, construction, recycling and renewables link in to the plants, keeping the money and jobs in the Scottish economy. A greater emphasis on energy efficiency at these plants, coupled with action at a European level to protect our steel industry from dumping of cheap foreign imports, will help secure their future."
Steel plant sale may leave Scots taxpayer with £20m clean-up bill (Sunday Times)