Council yard is source of pollution

POLLUTION in the Millig Burn in Helensburgh has been traced to a nearby council yard.

People walking in the Hermitage Park last week noticed what seemed like fuel polluting the burn between two rustic bridges and, later in the week, the water in the burn was seen to run white.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency officers from Balloch was called out and traced the pollution to a tributary which joins the burn and, in turn, traced the pollution back to the council yard.

It was discovered that a spillage of red diesel had been responsible for the first case and that a second spillage, this time of white line marking paint, had caused the second.

Dianne Foy, SEPA"s Unit Manager in Balloch, said: 'SEPA officers have investigated reports of pollution in the Millig Burn and an unnamed tributary, located to the north west of Hermitage Park, has been identified as being the probable cause.

'A council compound is located immediately to the north of this unnamed tributary and appears to discharge surface water into it. There is the suggestion that some substances spilt within the yard may have contributed to the pollution that was seen.'

A council spokesman said on Wednesday: 'Argyll and Bute Council has been made aware of its duties with regard to preventing further pollution incidents.'

The white substance in the Millig Burn was the result of an accidental spillage of marking compound for sports pitches.

'We have spoken to the company representatives who have confirmed that the product is non-hazardous and poses no problem to wildlife.

'Temporary signs will be erected today if there is still evidence of the spillage.

'At no time are any materials or other substances disposed of down the site"s surface drains.'

Diane Foy added: 'We would like to take this opportunity to thank the person who contacted us to alert us to this pollution.

'We would also like to remind people to inform SEPA as soon as they feel there may have been a pollution incident giving us as many details as possible. Getting details quickly will mean we can begin investigations early and take effective action as necessary. SEPA has a 24 hour report line on 0800 80 70 60, or you can contact our Balloch office on 01389 727770. All contact can be treated as confidential.'