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Scottish Water was fined £15,000 at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on the 15 August 2003 after pleading guilty to a charge of causing or knowingly permitting sewage effluent to be discharged into controlled waters namely the River Clyde on six occasions between 18th April and 19th August 2002. The case was heard after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) submitted a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
During routine monitoring of the Dalmuir Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) between April and August 2002, six samples did not meet the discharge consent conditions imposed by SEPA on the plant, which resulted in breaches of the EC Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. A number of problems were identified that were causing the poorly treated sewage to enter the Clyde and cause the poor sample results. While action was taken by Scottish Water to rectify these problems, it took some time to do so. SEPA decided to take enforcement action.
Keli Donnelly, SEPA Environment Protection Officer for the Dunbartonshire area said: “SEPA is delighted at the level of fine imposed by the Sheriff. It reflects the serious effect of these incidents on the environment and the need for compliance with EC Directives. SEPA was disappointed that the situation arose at Dalmuir WWTW, and is still working closely with Scottish Water to improve the operation of the works. The results of samples taken from the plant recently show improvements to the treatment of the sewage.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- Actual dates of six incidences are 18th April, 25 April, 23 May, 11 July, 15 August and 19 August all 2002.
Contact
Joanna Gardiner, 01355 574 226, 07767 325226
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