COCKENZIE POWER STATION — THE DUST, THE DECEPTION, THE SILENCE
WHAT WE ARE UNCOVERING
For 46 years, coal burned at Cockenzie Power Station — and coal dust fell across East Lothian.
Dust so thick it settled on cars, on homes, on streets. Dust so corrosive it stripped paint from vehicles. Dust that contained proven carcinogens — crystalline silica, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — substances scientifically established to cause cancer, respiratory illness, and long-term disease.
Residents complained. They suffered. And some were SILENCED.
THE NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
A whistleblower with direct knowledge was required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Told to say nothing. Prevented from sharing what they knew about the dust, the dangers, and the human cost.
Why silence someone who knows the truth — unless the truth was dangerous to reveal?
THE TIMING — THE SITE IS BEING REDEVELOPED
The power station closed in March 2013.
The site was sold to East Lothian Council in 2018.
Now — major redevelopment is planned.
The critical question:
Were the health risks known but hidden BEFORE the sale?
Was the NDA used to suppress evidence of contamination — so the land could be sold, approved, and built upon WITHOUT the true dangers ever being disclosed?
Did the Council buy land without being told the full truth — or was the truth deliberately kept from them?
HIDING HEALTH RISKS IS NOT JUST WRONG — IT IS POTENTIALLY CRIMINAL
NDAs cannot legally be used to conceal public health dangers or criminal wrongdoing.
If known carcinogenic risks were deliberately suppressed — to protect a sale, secure planning permission, or silence complainants — those responsible may have committed criminal offences. Including:
- Concealing a public health hazard
- Misconduct in public office
- Corruption and abuse of position
- If illness or death resulted — potentially manslaughter
WHAT WE ARE DOING
- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS — to East Lothian Council: What did they know BEFORE buying the site? What was disclosed — and what was withheld
- ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REQUESTS — to ScottishPower: What dust levels were recorded?
- What internal reports warned of dangers? Who was silenced — and why?
- SEEKING WHISTLEBLOWERS & RESIDENTS — If you lived near Cockenzie. If you worked at the power station. If you complained and were silenced. Your evidence matters.
- CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT — We are arranging access to specialist legal advice. NDAs used to hide criminal acts may be legally unenforceable. You CAN speak — and you are protected by law.
SPEAK UP — THE TRUTH SHOULD NOT BE SIGNED AWAY
If you were affected by dust from Cockenzie. If you signed an NDA. If you know what was kept secret.
Your identity will be protected. Your evidence will be verified. What was kept quiet — will be brought into the light.
Contact us securely:Secure Tip‑Off Submission
Freedom of information requests
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/cockencie_power_station_post_clo#outgoing-2128904
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/subject_cockenzie_power_station#outgoing-2128901
#Cockenzie #EastLothian #CoalDust #PublicHealth #CoverUp #Whistleblower #JAOC #EnvironmentalJustice #Carcinogens #NDAs