A MAJOR programme of environmental improvement leading to eventual salmon fish stock regeneration in the lower and upper reaches of the River Clyde is being advanced by a group comprising the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, West of Scotland Water, the River Clyde Fisheries Trust, the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment & Fisheries Department and the Clyde Trust.

The group, initiated by SEPA West and the River Clyde Fisheries Management Trust, met for the first time at the end of 1996 to look at possible joint venture projects and initiatives which could also improve the image of Scotland’s most famous river.

Recent investment in waste water collection, treatment and discharge facilities by West of Scotland Water has continued with the work started by the former Strathclyde Region. This has already helped improve the water quality of the River Clyde and one of its main tributaries, the River Kelvin.

The current programme of work involves the construction of the new Kelvin Valley Sewer which will divert waste water from a number of significant sewage treatment works in the Kelvin Valley and convey it to Dalmuir Sewage Treatment Works for treatment. Completion of the first part of the Kelvin Valley Sewer has allowed the works at Milngavie to be withdrawn and flows diverted to Dalmuir Treatment Works.

‘This will result in less wastewater effluent being discharged into the River Kelvin catchment at various sites,’ said Ernie Chambers, chief executive of West of Scotland Water.

Phase two of the Kelvin Valley project would result in further de-commissioning of sewage works including those at Auchengeich, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth leading to further improvements in water quality. However, the options are currently being reviewed in light of financial restraints, consent standards and improved treatment processes.

‘Such programmes have already made a significant contribution to an improvement in water quality, noted by the return of salmon to the Clyde catchment in recent years,’ said John M Beveridge, Director of West Region. ‘And these further schemes will continue the recovery of this famous river.’

At Paisley, the River Cart is also beginning to show ‘signs of improvement’ according to officials at SEPA, because of a reduction in the ammonia and copper levels in the discharge at Paisley Sewage Treatment Works.

SEPA and West of Scotland Water have agreed that the water quality in the Black Cart is to be given a ‘high priority’ status because of the impact of the discharges from Linwood and Johnstone STWs. Work is ongoing which will produce an improvement in the quality of the water.

Recent climatic changes which have seen prolonged dry spells followed by high levels of concentrated rainfall, have, according to SEPA, been partly responsible for pollution incidents and two fish kills reported in July 95 and 96.

SEPA and West of Scotland Water have agreed to assess the performance of combined storm overflows so that a priority programme of refurbishment will be progressed which will enable the main problem areas to be tackled.

Mr James McAloon of the River Clyde Fisheries Management Trust was encouraged to learn of the initiatives being taken by SEPA and West of Scotland Water and he said that this co-ordinated approach to pollution problems was to be welcomed.

Now, following a meeting of the various agencies making up the group, agreement has been reached on a series of joint initiatives aimed at further improvements to water quality and the eventual re-stocking of rivers Clyde and Kelvin with sea trout and salmon.

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SEPA West Public Relations Officer - Alison Hay

Direct line 01355 574226

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