River Oil Pollution !!!

UPDATE: River is clear today, although I understand was still diminishing oil film at 11pm last night.
From what I saw yesterday evening I would say this is a local discharge from somewhere on the west side of the river - from the brae or high street vicinity.

Just Phoned SEPA the environmental protection agency,  River is covered in a film of oil which started to pollute the lower river area about 8pm.

This is disastrous for the wildlife, especially at this time with ducklings and cygnets on the river.

The low water conditions make it even worse for the Fish as well.

I hope SEPA can get onto it right away, weekend or not ! 

Waterfowl vs Water-Foul

After last weeks documented sewage discharge into the river, I was told by SEPA that this drain is a combined sewer and rainwater outlet. According to the Spokesman for Scottish water speaking to the Nairnshire Telegraph " the outlet at this site is a consented storm water overflow which is designed to discharge into the river when the sewers are full. At such times the contents of the sewer are extremely diluted by rainwater"  I would take issue with this statement as far as the contents being diluted. 

How do tampons, panty liners and paper towels get diluted ? These are Items I find on the river bed around Merryton bridge.

I'm sure the sewage bacteria will be pleased also to know they are in a diluted environment as well. 

Additionally, there was no rainfall in the preceding 5 hours before this discharge occurred, in other words no storm water overflow to blame. The simple truth is the sewage system is not really fit for purpose, and any additional load from new developments will only make matters worse.

 The residents of Nairn want an enhanced quality of life not a diminished one, we have a choice - is it Waterfowl or Water-foul ,  I know what I prefer ! 

Serious Pollution Incident !

As we all know locally, there is an ongoing issue about Pollution of our beaches and poor infrastructure of the sewage system. 

This evening I witnessed first hand exactly why we have polluted beaches even without adverse weather conditions ! 

At approx 8 pm I was feeding our river birds as usual, when I heard a gushing roar behind me, the drain that was installed a couple of years back above Merryton bridge had opened, and sewage was spilling into the river. It was a mild evening and no rain had fallen locally for at least 5 hours. 

The smell was pretty dire, and I ushered all the water birds away to the clean water part of the river. 

 The discharge only lasted about 5 minutes but nevertheless a few hundred gallons had been released in this time. I took a short movie and photos as evidence for SEPA and Scottish water, and have reported it to both of them this evening.
This was an intentional discharge as though someone had flicked a switch, a quick 5 minute burst of filth that no one would have noticed, but for myself being on the spot !

There can be no doubt this drain is a continuous polluter of the river and beaches, and it's time something was done about it. I reported this sewage drain years ago to SEPA, and all that's happened is they have extended the drain into the river !!
See the evidence for yourself . Short movie clip below.

Pollution Update

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA ) have today sent me an update on the fractured pipe that has been leaking into the river. SEPA have made good their commitment and have a positive response from Albyn Housing. The following extract from SEPA today.

"Albyn Housing has temporarily repaired the leaking pipe and is in contact with Scottish Water regarding a permanent repair.

Albyn Housing confirmed last week that the temporary repair is sufficient at the moment and they will monitor the situation until a permanent repair can be organised."

Well done SEPA !

Pigeon Pals

Not everyone likes them and they are a common species, but I think Pigeons are Bonnie birds.

 Can be very friendly and gentle. 

The Town has quite a population of feral Pigeons constantly pursued by Sparrowhawks, which are also increasingly numerous around Nairn.

On another recent issue, the pollution incident I reported at Asher's Court flats. I have heard from SEPA, that Scottish water have inspected the fractured pipe and say it belongs to Albyn housing and therefore their responsibility to fix. SEPA have contacted Albyn housing and await their response.

River Pollution - UPDATE.

Scottish Water have told me they will investigate.

Another pollution incident yesterday just above the Nairn A96 roadbridge, don't know what it was but sure it shouldn't be going into the river ! 

Appears to be coming from a fractured or blocked pipe above the Main sewer. I have informed SEPA and Scottish water.
Our 109  Trust members would like to see this fixed !

Rock of Wages

Today heralds the addition of massive rock armour to the sewer outfall at the Merryton flats. Apparently Scottish water have decided that this barrier is needed, to prevent erosion by the tidal race and any floods washing the outfall away. Personally I think this is over the top and a waste of money. The money would have been better spent preventing what's coming out of this "grey water" sewer! 

During yesterdays rainfall I could see quite a few sanitary items floating by and the smell was obvious too. 

I thought these items were filtered out, according to Scottish water? Perhaps the River Community Councils new found pride in the riverside might take this up with SEPA and Scottish water ?  
Having spoken to the Contractor today, I was assured that this rock would be covered over completely. If not, it would be a perfect Haven for Rats and Mink, to the detriment of everybody, as well as the wildlife!

Dirty Ducks

Yet again the sewage seepage from the outfall just above the Merryton bridge is continuing  to pollute the river. Earlier this week I emailed the offending photo's to SEPA in the hope that they will look into the matter. Yesterday I noticed a van with two workmen inspecting the drains, hopefully this problem will be rectified sometime soon !

Meanwhile the cygnets were taken aback by the two headed Swan that confronted them! Pollution mutant hybrids perhaps ?