Environmental watchdog SEPA have been accused of “silence and inaction” over a fuel spillage at an Angus beauty spot that has continued for around two weeks.
Dog walkers were warned to steer clear of the site late last month following the discovery of fuel in a burn near Kirkton Industrial Estate in Arbroath.
Sepa and Scottish Water were scrambled to investigate after the alarm was raised at the watercourse which is used by a range of wildlife including small fish, otters and kingfishers.
However the burn continues to show signs of the pollution, which is now believed to be kerosene, and a local conservation group has questioned why a more comprehensive investigation has not taken place to find the source.
Fears also continue to grow that the ongoing pollution could have a devastating longer-term impact on the local environment.
Ralph Coutts of the St Vigeans Conservation Network slammed SEPA, stating he felt “sheer and utter disgust” at the agency.
“I wish we could have faith in the authorities but it’s like they have simply gone on vacation – they should be reaching out and telling people what is going on.
“We have worked really hard to encourage wildlife but I have spoken to two marine biologists who say there is no doubt that wildlife will be affected by this incident.
“The fact is that otters don’t eat kerosene.”
One Arbroath councillor claimed the local authority had been forced to step in and take action.
Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative Councillor Derek Wann said: “It’s been around two weeks and the burn is still contaminated and SEPA are remaining tight-lipped on the whole thing.
“As it became apparent that little action was being taken, I decided to contact senior council officers, and within two hours, council staff were on site.
“I have asked for a full report from the council about this situation, including what action we have had to take, and I am also asking for a meeting with SEPA themselves to establish what happened in this case, and why there seems to be radio silence about it.”
A spokesperson for SEPA said: “Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we investigate all reports of pollution.
“SEPA officers are working with Scottish Water and Angus Council to carry out an investigation following reports of an oily sheen in a tributary of the Hercules Den Burn in Arbroath.
“Work is currently ongoing to identify and address the potential source of pollution, and Scottish Water have deployed environmental mitigation in the watercourse.
“We would advise members of the public to contact our 24-hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 807060 to report any potential pollution events.”
