Disgust at septic tank hazard

A MOTORCYCLIST has warned a leaking septic tank could pose a health and safety risk to motorists and pedestrians on a very busy north-east Fife road.

Peter Bell, of Leuchars, said that, during heavy rain, water and sewage from the tank flows on to the A914 road between Leuchars and Newport.

He fears the overflow is posing a risk to people using a nearby bus stop and it could cause a road accident if it freezes over during cold weather.

The tank is at Comerton House, opposite the Drumoig estate, and the problem is due to a collapsed pipe under the road and the connection to the tank of the house’s rainwater drainage.

Mr Bell, who travels on the road every day to and from work in Dundee, said, “It only takes one rain storm and it fills the septic tank which then overflows.”

He said the water and sewage run across the road and added, “It’s right next to a bus stop so people from Drumoig have to cross this flow to go between the bus stop and the estate.”

Mr Bell said it is unpleasant to ride his bike through the overflow.

He said, “It’s bad enough driving over it in a car but on a motorbike or a push bike it’s not very nice.”

The householder said the problem is being dealt with but refused to comment further.

Fife Council’s public protection team leader, Linda Turner, said, “It is the responsibility of the owner of the septic tank to undertake any repairs as necessary.

“The council has the power to serve notice on the owner of the septic tank.

“However, we don’t think that that’s appropriate at the moment because the owner has matters in hand and the risk to public health is minimal.”

She said there are some issues of ownership and access and it is likely to take some time before repairs can be instigated but, for now, the tank is being emptied on a more regular basis.

Environment agency SEPA confirmed it has received a complaint and is investigating.