Sewage leak safety advice issued

Locals have been warned to avoid a stretch of the Fife coastline following a leak of sewage into the River Leven.

Wastewater gushed into the river due to pump failure at the Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works on Wednesday night.

Scottish Water said its crews had cleaned the area. However, Levenmouth locals have been advised to stay clear of the river and the sea in the surrounding area.

NHS Fife director of public health, Dona Milne said: “We appreciate the inconvenience this advice may cause people and businesses in the affected area, but at all times our priority has to be the protection of the environment and public health.

“The leak has now been stopped and further sampling will take place.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) said it was working with members of a multi-agency risk management group following a power failure.

“Scottish Water have advised that they have completed a clean-up operation,” the spokesperson added.

“Sepa is carrying out an investigation into this incident to assess the impact on the water environment.

“We have updated our bathing water guidance for Leven bathing water to advise against bathing or paddling for the next two to three days.”