Fuel spill could be yet more dumping

ARBROATH: Diesel found in burn sparks fears for wildlife

Rogue dumpers are in the firing line after a fuel spillage at an Angus burn sparked wildlife fears.

Dog walkers were warned to avoid the area following the discovery of diesel in a watercourse near Kirkton Industrial Estate in Arbroath.

Sepa and Scottish Water were alerted after the alarm was raised at the burn which is used by a range of wildlife including otters.

There were also fears that the contaminated water could poison horses further downstream.

Arbroath East and Lunan SNP councillor Brenda Durno said the spill was a “deeply concerning incident that could ultimately have a serious negative impact on the environment”.

It comes after litter crusaders this week warned that Angus is being turned into a “giant rubbish tip” as a result of rising levels of fly-tipping and littering.

Recent high-profile dumping incidents include a bag of asbestos that was found at Monikie.

Rogue dumpers are in the firing line after a fuel spillage at an Angus burn.

Dog walkers were warned to steer clear yesterday following the discovery of diesel in a waterway near Kirkton Industrial Estate in Arbroath.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and Scottish Water were called to investigate after the alarm was raised at the burn which is used by a range of wildlife including otters.

It is feared the water was deliberately contaminated by dumpers to avoid disposal costs.

The alert comes after litter crusaders warned Angus is being turned into a “giant rubbish tip” as a result of rising levels of fly-tipping and littering.

Arbroath East and Lunan SNP councillor Brenda Durno said the diesel spill was a “deeply concerning incident that could ultimately have a serious negative impact on the environment”.

She said: “I think a key question here is whether this is an accidental spill or leak, or whether the diesel has been deliberately dumped into the drainage system.

“If it is the latter, I will be urging that every effort is made to bring the culprits to justice.”

The watercourse runs alongside a popular dog-walking route. There are also fears that contaminated water could poison horses further downstream.

Ralph Coutts of the St Vigeans Conservation Network said: “There was a visible sheen on the water, accompanied by a strong smell.

“Subsequent visits at 4pm on Wednesday, and mid-morning on Thursday, established that the water remained contaminated.

“We have done so much to improve the area for wildlife and we know that otters pass very close to the point where the water is contaminated.

“There are also small fish in the water, so it is extremely worrying that this has happened.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “Following a report of pollution with an oily appearance affecting a burn close to the Kirkton Industrial Estate in Arbroath, our local sewer response team attended and inspected manholes in the area to look for any sign of oil in the surface water sewers that drain the area.

“No sign of oil pollution was found within the surface water sewers and we have fed this information back to Sepa.

“We will continue to work with Sepa to investigate this incident and ensure any source of pollution that can be identified is addressed appropriately.”

The incident comes in the wake of an investigation by Angus Clean Environments which warned the level of dumping and littering could have a negative impact on wildlife and visitors to the region.

Scottish Water and Sepa are investigating after diesel was discovered in a burn at Arbroath.

Councillor Brenda Durno wants to see any illegal dumpers brought to justice after the oily sheen could be seen on the water, below.