Methil ming makes an unwelcome return after mechanical fault

levenmouth: Stench from waste water treatment works gets up noses of locals

The notorious so-called Methil ming has again been blighting the lives of Levenmouth folk.

The sickening stench, which for years emanated from the waste water treatment works, has returned to get up the noses of local people.

For more than a week householders and businesses have been reporting a nasty niff in the air and people were spotted holding their noses as they shopped.

Scottish Water blamed the issue on a mechanical fault and said everything possible was being done to keep odours to a minimum while repairs were carried out. It is hoped works will be completed today.

Local councillor Ken Caldwell said he had reported the issue last Saturday and had heard nothing since.

“People said it had been going on for two to three days before that,” he said.

“I reported it and they said they would look into it.”

Mr Caldwell, chairman of Levenmouth area committee, said there was no obvious reason for the odour.

“We used to get it when there was particularly low pressure but we’ve not had any kind of weather that would have caused it.”

He added: “It’s like a sewage smell. You get it in Leven and Methil.

“We’re trying to attract people here, not frighten them away again!”

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said an update was issued to local stakeholders at the end of last week after a recent mechanical fault affecting one of the settlement tanks caused “some localised odour”.

“CELTS, who operate the site on behalf of Scottish Water under a PFI agreement, have been doing all they can to minimise any issues while the draining and cleaning of the tank is carried out so the necessary repairs can take place,” he said.

“Odour suppressant sprays have been used and chemical dosing of the tank has been ongoing to help ensure any odour-related issues are kept to a minimum while the repair is carried out,” said the spokesman.

Scottish Water has apologised for any inconvenience during the maintenance and thanked residents for their patience and understanding.

The company came under fire from residents over many years for their perceived failure to deal with the putrid pong.

But things improved markedly after the company carried out comprehensive research and undertook £1.5 million improvement works in 2014.

Odour suppressant sprays have been used and chemical dosing of the tank has been ongoing to help ensure any odour-related issues are kepttoa minimum

Picture: Kim Cessford. Protesters outside Bayview Stadium, Methil, when the smell was at its peak before remedial works in 2014.