Investigation underway after pollution incident
Andrea O’Neill
Hundreds of freshwater fish in the Rotten Calder have been killed by pollution.
East Kilbride Angling Club (EKAC) say the devastating incident has resulted in the death of brown trout, minnow, stone loach and invertebrates in a stretch of the river above and below Flat Bridge on the Strathaven Road.
Club committee members met with SEPA and Scottish Water on Friday, May 18, to investigate after receiving reports of dead fish floating in the murky brown waters.
Although it is not yet known exactly what killed the fish, an outfall pipe and culvert which drains from the nearby Torrance Wynd housing estate is thought to have caused the contamination.
Pet owners are being advised to exercise caution near the water – and keep an eye out for any changes in their pet’s behaviour if they think they have come into contact with the pollutant.
The club posted on their Facebook page: “Unfortunately there has been a major pollution incident on the river which has led to a massive fish kill.
“The devastation caused by pollution is clear to see. With the forecast to be dry for the foreseeable future, it is unlikely that the river will get a flush out anytime soon and we can only caution those using the river to take care.”
EKAC is asking anyone who finds evidence of dead fish in the river downstream of Crutherland Falls to notify them via their Facebook page.
Secretary Brendan McWilliams told the News: “The trout killed include one and twoyear class fish. These fish are not stocked by the club and would be considered naturallybred fish in the river.
“To lose them is devastating as these are the fish that sustain the river’s population from one year to the next.
“The club stocks fish from around 11 inches long but they are not breeding fish and their loss is a financial loss and a recreational loss to the club.”
SEPA area manager Chris Dailly said: “It is believed that a cross connection has resulted in a discharge from a third party via the outfall.
“SEPA returned to the site [on Monday, May 21] and the discharge has eased off significantly.
“It also now appears to be running clear and no more dead fish were observed in the area at this time. We will continue to investigate and liaise with Scottish Water as they work to locate the source of the cross connection.”
A spokeswoman for Scottish Water said: “A joint investigation is underway with SEPA.
“We will work with them to identify the source of the problem and address any issues within our assets.”
To lose them is devastating as these are the fish that sustain the river’s population...