SEPA PROTECTS NESSIE'S HOME
20 March 2000 - Ref 11/00
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has set some of the strictest environmental standards in its history to protect the waters of Loch Ness. The aim is to minimise pollution by sewage from Historic Scotland's new visitor Centre at Castle Urquhart, legendary 'home' of the Loch Ness monster.
All sewage outflows into controlled waters* must have a discharge consent from SEPA, and all applications for consent are open for public consultation before decisions are made. SEPA received an unprecedented level of interest from the public and politicians when consultation was undertaken on the Urquhart Castle application to install a sewage treatment system which would discharge into the Loch. In order to maintain the water quality of Loch Ness, and as a result of the concerns raised, SEPA has set extremely demanding conditions for the treatment of sewage from the new visitor centre.
David Mackay, Director of SEPA North Region, says the consent SEPA has now granted will provide very high level of protection to the waters of Loch Ness.
"The standards we are setting are higher than we would normally specify for a sewage outflow, and those 'normal' standards themselves provide a high level of environmental protection. In fact, these standards we are requiring of Historic Scotland are as strict as those set for protecting bathing waters. Bathing waters for humans, that is - so Nessie will certainly be safe swimming in the Loch. Only the best for Nessie!"
Nessie was unavailable for comment.
ENDS
SEPA Press Office contacts
SEPA Public Relationsteam - Direct telephone numbers: 01786 457723/4 Fax: 01786 448040
SEPA Head Office, Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, STIRLING FK9 4TR
Tel: 01786 457700 Fax: 01786 448040
Contact SEPA Public Relationsat publicrelations@sepa.org.uk