Anglers’ alert after diesel spill into river
Concerns for water wildlife
Red diesel has been discovered within the River Endrick, sparking an environmental scare.
Investigations are underway into the spillage near Balfron over the weekend.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) was alerted to the possible presence of red diesel in a burn next to White Yett Glen.
A spokesperson said: “Following a site visit on Monday SEPA was able to substantiate the complaints and track the pollution back to the source. The source has now been isolated and a clean-up of the burn is underway. SEPA is currently considering its formal options as regards formulating the next steps of the investigation.”
It’s understood that the diesel leaked from a nearby farm.
Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association and Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust were alerted to the incident. Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust posted on social media: “We investigated this last night (Wednesday) but could find no trace of any contamination on the Endrick.
“This morning we received further information and as a result one of the water bailiffs visited Neil’s Burn and found what could be a pollution source. “The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) have been alerted and the police are being contacted as I write this.
“However, given the post from yesterday it might be advisable to keep out of Neil’s Burn and the Endrick immediately below where this stream enters the Endrick, meantime. This would include the sandy bank which is located below the old metal bridge, upstream of the village.
“As many of you will know Neil’s Burn flows down the White Yett Glen and is part of a popular walk round the village.”
Balfron Community Council were also made aware of the potential spillage and echoed the sentiments of Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust.
After learning of the spillage Balfron dog owner Julie Ross took her dog Bonnie to the vets as a precaution on Thursday morning after the 15-monthold Cocker Spaniel vomited several times.
Julie said: “She was swimming in the river Endrick earlier this week as it’s a favourite spot of hers. She’d been sick already few times today (Thursday) when I heard from a friend about the spill so I thought it best we seek advice from the vets. Bonnie was examined by them and given antibiotics as a precaution.”
Water bailiffs are lawenforcement officers responsible for the policing of bodies of water, such as a rivers, lakes or coasts.
Gareth Bourhill, a volunteer water bailiff and secretary of the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association says that the spillage could have a lasting impact on marine life in the water there for years to come.
He said: “Just a thimble of diesel in water could cover an area the size of three football pitches. The easiest way to tell if there has been is the smell, there would be quite a strong smell.
“The Endrick has Atlantic salmon and lamprey. There are five different types of lamprey in the UK and the Endrick has all five of them so it has been given European protection.
“It could have an impact for years and years, for perhaps five or 10 years.”
He says the diesel goes into gravel in the river bed and could have an impact on Atlantic salmon eggs in the water.
To report instances of potential pollution, contact SEPA 24 hours a day using our online form at sepa.org. uk/report.