Scottish Water investigating 'unexplained' chemical waste reports in Aberdeenshire
The publicly-owned water company said it has experienced "unexplained influxes" of chemicals on several occasions, particularly at its water treatment works that serve Kemnay, Oldmeldrum and Daviot.
Tuesday 14 May 2024 11:36, UK
An investigation has been launched into the potential unauthorised dumping of chemical waste in the public sewer network in Aberdeenshire.
Scottish Water said it has experienced "unexplained influxes" of chemicals on several occasions, particularly at its water treatment works that serve Kemnay, Oldmeldrum and Daviot.
The publicly-owned water company said the pattern and nature of the problem "suggests the possibility of waste being dumped in significant quantities" and said that it "could originate from a much wider area".
As a result, staff have been faced with a "race against time" to stabilise and restore the treatment process to protect the local environment from damage.
Scottish Water is now urging people in the area to be alert to any "unusual activity" by commercial vehicles like tanker lorries which could be linked to the problems being experienced.
The firm said many businesses use tankers in the area legitimately, but it is unusual for the vehicles to be discharging anything to the sewer network.
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Tankers normally operate within Scottish Water's fenced water treatment works or at other sites that are designed to receive them.
Scottish Water said a specialist team has been engaging with large commercial customers in the area to ensure there have been no problems with the waste they are licensed to discharge into the sewer.
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Craig Low, regional waste water operations manager, said: "Each of our waste water treatment works across Scotland is designed to meet the needs of homes and businesses within its area, while protecting the local environment.
"The population of 'good bacteria' which plays a crucial role in cleaning the water thrives in stable conditions.
"Any sudden and significant change in the strength and composition of waste water has potential to disrupt the treatment process and harm the natural environment that it works to protect.
"Following several events which our teams have had to respond to in Kemnay, Oldmeldrum and Daviot, we are investigating all potential causes.
"We are seeking the help of local communities in being alert to any unusual activity by tankers in the area which could be linked to the problems we've been experiencing."