The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dozens of dead trout discovered in Barry Burn
Sepa investigate after burst pipe on farm contaminates water
A burst pipe led to the death of dozens of fish in water flowing through an Open Championship golf course, environmental experts have confirmed.
Shocked caddie John Gilbert was walking the Championship course at Carnoustie Golf Links this week when he made the grim discovery at Barry Burn.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the source of infection had been traced to a burst pipe on a local farm.
Barry Burn – which runs through all three Carnoustie golf courses – is normally home to a healthy population of native brown trout.
John, a caddie of 50 years standing, said he was dismayed to find half a dozen fish floating in a pool of water by the 10th hole.
He said: “I saw more at the 17th and contacted the club to inform them.
“I was told the greenkeepers had pulled at least 50 dead fish from the burn and the matter had been reported to Sepa.”
He added: “My understanding is the problem is not isolated to the stretch of burn through the links.
“It’s been reported in Barry and perhaps it may even extend further.”
Sepa confirmed the incident had been reported to its officers yesterday.
A spokesman explained investigations are under way.
He said:“Following initial investigations, we understand a burst pipe at a local farm led to digestate escaping into a field and, due to heavy rainfall, efforts by the farm to contain the substance to the field were unsuccessful, with some washing into the Barry Burn.
“While we understand the incident is no longer ongoing, Tay District Salmon
Fisheries Board has been notified and we are continuing to work with both them and the local farm to assess this incident.”
A spokesman for Carnoustie Golf Links said: “The incident was reported to us mid-morning on Thursday and, because we take environmental issues extremely seriously, we reported the matter to Sepa immediately.
“We will support Sepa, or any other third party, with their investigation to understand what happened here.”