MSP says SSSIs protected for a good reason

North East Conservative MSP Peter Chapman visited the loch yesterday to meet the owner and the angler who first raised the alarm about possible pollution.

A consortium of local anglers have been fishing on the loch for decades, but it is claimed nothing has been caught since thousands of dead fish were reported in the water.

Mr Chapman has now written to Scottish Natural Heritage, which manages SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), Sepa and AWPR contractor consortium Aberdeen Roads Ltd.

He said: “I was not aware until visiting the site that Corby Loch is designated as an SSSI.

“This makes the reports of pollution linked to the AWPR all the more serious. These sites are protected by law, and for good reason.

“The owner and the anglers are clear that problems are linked to previous pollution from the AWPR site. They also fear there will be ongoing difficulties in the future due to the close proximity of the loch to the bypass.

“I have written to SNH, Sepa and Aberdeen Roads Ltd, as we need to get to the bottom of this and take whatever remedial action is needed to improve the situation and try to prevent any further issues.

“We all want this road to be finished and open to traffic, but the environmental mpact must be managed and any damage limited as much as possible.”

MSP Peter Chapman visited Corby Loch yesterday