The QC representing Dart Energy at the public inquiry into its...

The QC representing Dart Energy at the public inquiry into its plans to build a commercial coal bed methane extraction plant near Airth has insisted “any concerns” raised about the environmental impact of the project will be tackled.


Dr Salmon was called in by Falkirk Council to provide his professional opinion on certain technical aspects of the planning bid. But under cross examination he accepted the Scottish Government Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) are the experts when it comes to dealing with such fears through tough regulation.

Mr Steele told the fourth day of the inquiry: “Sepa are adequately qualified to address these issues and Dart Energy will co-operate fully to any monitoring of the site to the satisfaction of Falkirk Council.”

The inquiry, which is expected to last three weeks, was also told Sepa has not objected to the planning application.