Scottish Water fined for Tobermory sewage leak
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Scottish Water pled guilty today (Tuesday 16 March 2010) at Oban
Sheriff Court after sewage was allowed to spill into Tobermory Bay,
and were fined £6,667.
Scottish Water admitted carrying on a controlled activity liable
to cause pollution of the water environment, when untreated sewage
was discharged into the Bay by way of a break in the main
collecting sewer within the harbour wall.
In April 2008 SEPA officers received complaints from members of
the public about sewage entering Tobermory Bay. When they
carried out an investigation they witnessed a substantial flow of
sewage leaking from the base of the harbour wall west of Mishnish
Pier, and noted the presence of sewage debris and an accompanying
strong odour.
The matter was then reported to Scottish Water for them to take
appropriate action to stop the leak. Over the following
months SEPA had many discussions with Scottish Water to identify
the cause of the problem. Further inspections of the harbour in
August and September 2008 showed that sewage was still leaking
through the wall.
Investigations found that the break in the sewer allowed
seawater, sand and pebbles to enter the collecting system, causing
damage at the pumping station that transfers collected sewage from
the town to the treatment works at Glengorm. The damaged
transfer pumps were unable to pass forward correct flows and the
sewer was remaining full, discharging sewage back through a
break in the sewer within the harbour wall and into the bay.
It was also found that equipment used to record the frequency
and duration of authorised storm overflow events was not
functioning properly meaning there was no record of the number of
times any discharge had occurred from the pumping station
itself.
Jenny Davies, SEPA's investigating officer, said:
"Odour from the discharge has affected residents and visitors to
Tobermory and concerns have been expressed about perceived
deterioration in water quality. Local residents and others have
also expressed concerns about the possible effects on human health
arising from contact with the sewage contaminated water.
"Tobermory Bay is extremely busy, with a large proportion of
visitors to the island arriving by boat and it supports a large
number of recreational and commercial activities, including
fishing, sailing and swimming."
SEPA's Colin Bayes, Director of Environmental Protection and
Improvement said:
"We want to help people avoid pollution and work with them to
find solutions. However, where pollution is significant or
persistent, or is as a result of willful or negligent actions, SEPA
will use its enforcement powers to protect the environment for the
benefit of all of Scotland's citizens.
"Importantly, if a pollution incident occurs, we urge anyone to
let us know straight away by calling our 24 hour pollution report
line, 0800 80 70 60, giving as many details as possible so
effective action can be taken."
Ends
Notes to editors
The exact charge Scottish Water pled guilty to was:
- On or between 8 April 2008 and 17 September 2008 both dates
inclusive at the sea wall at Tobermory Harbour, Isle of Mull Grid
Reference NM 5075 5530 you SCOTTISH WATER did carry on a controlled
activity, namely an activity liable to cause pollution of the water
environment in that you did discharge untreated sewage from the
said sea wall into Tobermory Bay, Isle of Mull by way of a break in
the sewer wall without the authority of an authorisation under the
aftermentioned Regulations; CONTRARY to the Water Environment
(Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 Regulation 5
and 40(1)(a) and the Water Environment and Water Services
(Scotland) Act 2003 Section 20(3)(a)