The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has submitted plans for the Faslane naval dockyard to pour more liquid waste into the Gareloch as the number of UK nuclear subs based there rises from five to 14 by 2019.

During topical questions in the Scottish Parliament chamber on Tuesday, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan asked Richard Lochhead, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, what the Scottish Government’s position is on the proposed waste discharge increase.

Mr Lochhead responded saying all discharges will be within safety limits.

He said: “Although that more stringent regime should, in theory, benefit our environment, the MoD has indicated that the actual levels of discharges from the site may increase over the next few years due to the increasing number of submarines that will be based there, albeit that the discharges are expected to be well within the new limits.” Speaking afterwards, Mr McMillan said: “I am deeply concerned with recent reports that the MoD is planning to dump radioactive waste into the river.

“This incident follows on from the HMS Vulcan fiasco that took place in Caithness recently. The Clyde is an important gateway for the west coast of Scotland and it is utilised by a number of leisure and marine crafts.

“I have raised the issue directly with the Scottish Government and have asked them what actions they could undertake in this matter. I am not aware of anyone in Scotland who wants our country be a dumping ground for nuclear waste.

“Ultimately, the people of Scotland can help prevent future such incidents from being possible by voting Yes on September 18 and ridding Scotland of trident nuclear weapons, once and for all.” Helensburgh’s Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said extra jobs and investment in relation to the submarines is good news. She added: “I welcome the extra jobs and extra investment coming to Helensburgh and Lomond as a result of the UK Government’s decision to base all of the UK’s submarines at Faslane by 2019. It is vitally important that the MoD and SEPA work together to ensure that discharges are appropriate.

“The SNP Environment Secretary said that the limits for permitted discharge have been lowered, and although the number of submarines will be increasing, the resultant discharge would be well within the new stricter limits. That is welcome news.” A spokesman for the MoD said: “We are proposing to reduce, not increase, the amount of radioactive material we discharge at the Clyde Naval Base.

“The volume of material discharged may increase, but the important measure is the amount of radioactivity, and it is those limits we have proposed to reduce.

“Even with the greater number of submarines at Clyde Naval Base, we do not expect there to be a significant increase in radioactive waste discharge compared with historical levels.

“Discharges of small amounts of radioactive material are a normal part of operating nuclear reactors. All discharges are within strict limits, and there is no risk to the public or the environment.”