An end to the infamous ‘Methil Ming’ could be in sight after Scottish Water and the operators of the Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works agreed to act on an independent probe into periodic smells from the plant which have been getting up locals’ noses for years.
The study was carried out by Professor Robert Jackson at the request of Scottish Water and the utility company and CELTS, the PFI operators of the works, have welcomed his findings.
Professor Jackson is a leading independent expert on waste water management.
A chartered civil engineer, he is the principal of Jackson Consulting and has decades of experience in waste water, both in academic and vocational posts.
Scottish Water said that the report was received a few days ago and they had yet to fully consider the findings.
“Professor Jackson found that the quality of the incoming effluent could be having an effect on odours at the works. This may be due to a number of factors,” said a spokesman.
“He also recommended we do not export and import sludge cake during the summer months, as the exposure of the sludge cake to the open air in hot weather can exacerbate odours.
“Professor Jackson found that there could be more utilisation of the sludge driers, maximising their use to decrease odours.
“Finally, he identified a range of operational practices on site which could be modified to contain odours more effectively.
“Scottish Water, in conjunction with CELTS, Fife Council environmental health and SEPA, will study the findings and ensure appropriate action is taken.”‘Stakeholders’Scottish Water’s regional communities manager for Fife, Anne Marie Dewar, added, “We have listened to residents and our local stakeholders.
“In order to address their concerns, we appointed Professor Jackson to prepare an independent report and welcome his findings.
“Scottish Water and PFI operators CELTS will work with the local community to address the issues raised in this report.
“We will continue to hold regular stakeholder meetings and information events, to which the community are invited.
“Scottish Water takes such issues very seriously and that is why we are doing everything possible to address the concerns of the local community.”TalksIn order to research this comprehensive study of the works and the waste water network, Professor Jackson held talks with regulators SEPA and Fife Council Public Protection Team, as well as touring the facility and discussing operating procedures, the overall design of the works and the odour management plan with the site operators.
He also spoke to members of the community.
This work was in addition to the detailed history, background and operating information he had already received.
Professor Jackson said, “I am grateful to Scottish Water, its PFI partners, and all other Levenmouth stakeholders for their open and constructive contributions to my investigations, and I look forward to having sight of Scottish Water’s action plan to address my recommendations in due course.”
Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick said, “This independent report is a major step forward in addressing the long-standing complaints from local residents.
“I look forward to working with Scottish Water and other stakeholders to have the recommendations implemented as quickly as possible.”
The area’s MP, Lindsay Roy, added, “The involvement of Professor Jackson by Scottish Water shows how seriously they are trying to eradicate the odour problems that have occurred.”