Newsroom | Releases/Statements | Archive | 1997 | 'SEPA Imposes Stringent Conditions On Consent'

SEPA Imposes Stringent Conditions on Consent
Issued on 12 August 1997

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has approved an application by West of Scotland Water for consent for the emergency discharge of sewage in the event of a breakdown to a proposed pumping station, to Milligs Burn, Helensburgh.

The application was considered on 5 August by the West Region Licensing Team. Objections received by the Agency raised concerns mainly regarding public health.

The principal remit of SEPA in such matters is to consider the likely impact on the quality of the receiving water. After considering this issue and the objections raised, it was decided that provided stringent conditions are placed on the consent to ensure that every practical effort is taken to prevent such an overflow taking place and in the event that the impact on the receiving water is minimal, the consent should be approved. SEPA cannot withhold a consent unreasonably.

SEPA must now notify all those who made representations of the intention to issue consent and allow 21 days for them to make representation to the Secretary of State. In such an event SEPA will not give consent until the Secretary of State advises on the matter.

ENDS

For more information contact:
Alison Hay, SEPA West Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01355 574226
Mobile: 0467 325226

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Conditions to be imposed include that should the pumping station fail

24 hours storage capacity is provided to allow adequate time to make repairs to prevent overflow

a 24 hour telemetry alarm system is installed to warn of pump failure to allow immediate remedial action to be taken (such action will include the removal of sewage by road tanker prior to any discharges), and

in the event that a discharge should take place, that fine screening is provided to prevent the discharge of solids

SEPA Press Office contacts

Press Officer: Maggie Hamilton. Tel: 01786 457724
Head of Public Affairs: Monica Straughan. Tel: 01786 457723 Mobile 0421 942498

SEPA Head Office, Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, STIRLING FK9 4TR
Tel: 01786 457700 Fax: 01786 448040

Contact SEPA Public Affairs at publicrelations@sepa.org.uk