AN environmental watchdog is investigating pollution at a burn which could affect water ways in Glasgow and Cumbernauld.
Local people have reported the water turning black, dead fish and toxic smells.
Local MSPs Rona Mackay and Fulton MacGregor contacted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) over the issues affecting the Bothlin Burn, which runs through the Moodiesburn area of North Lanarkshire.
Sepa said the pollution may have downstream effects on the Luggie Water and River Kelvin and investigations are under way to identify the source of the problem.
In the letter to Sepa, the SNP MSPs said: “The local community is very concerned as this is a popular spot with dog walkers and families out walking.
“They are reporting the water turning black, dead fish, stones covered in slime and strong toxic smells.
“As you can understand, with the recent weather uptick and our constituents using the local area for walking, exercise and leisure, our constituents remain incredibly concerned for the safety of the local environment.”
They also referred to an incident in 2007 when a local company was reportedly fined £5000 over a pollution incident at the burn and they asked what steps have been taken to ensure nothing similar has happened since then.
Sepa said an investigation is under way.
A spokesman said: “Sepa is aware of a pollution issue in the Bothlin Burn in the Moodiesburn area that may have downstream effects on the Luggie Water and River Kelvin.
“Our officers have attended every day since Sunday and samples have been taken.
“Investigations are continuing, with an ecological survey planned for Thursday, and we are in contact with all relevant parties with a view to identifying the source or sources and determining what further action needs to be taken.
“Thank-you to everyone who took the time to contact us. Pollution incidents can be reported via our 24-hour online form at www.sepa.org.uk/report.”
SEPA is aware of a pollution issue in the Bothlin Burn (Moodiesburn area) that may affect Luggie Water and River Kelvin. Officers have attended every day since Sunday, taken samples, and an ecological survey planned. Report environmental incidents at https://t.co/accJUx0uiS pic.twitter.com/VrmkbgiS2L
— Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (@ScottishEPA) July 21, 2021
Thomas McMenamin, East Dunbartonshire Council’s executive officer for roads and environment, said: “We have been made aware of a pollution issue within the Bothlin Burn in the Moodiesburn area, which is also affecting the Luggie Water and River Kelvin.
“We are liaising with Sepa – which takes the lead on environmental incidents of this kind – and have shared information on social media.”
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