Since the closure of the coal-fired Power Stations at Cockenzie in 2013, and Longannet three years later, the ash lagoons – where residual ash slurry from the power generation process was deposited under water – have presented a continual maintenance issue for Scottish Power, with prolonged dry weather raising concerns about windblown ash for local residents.
The first requirement was the draining of the lagoons, followed by reprofiling, removal of dust suppression, ash slurry pipes, and other infrastructure. Then we had to import material that would cap off the lagoons.
Once capping is complete, a nature reserve wetland will be created at Longannet with new footpath networks, benches and bird hides – a feature of our works at the Cockenzie lagoons.