Independent experts are being appointed in a new bid to make the infamous ‘Methil ming’ a thing of the past.
Residents near the Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works have been plagued by putrid pongs emanating from the works for years, with the stench coming and going at varying levels since it opened eight years ago.
It has emerged that Scottish Water is to bring in an independent sewage works specialist to carry out a review of the situation at the plant in an effort to get to the bottom of the bad smells that can linger in the area.
Professor Robert Jackson has a wealth of experience in environmental work of this sort, having previously looked at odour issues at a number of sites elsewhere.
The news has been welcomed by Glenrothes MP Lindsay Roy, whose constituency covers parts of Levenmouth, and Mr Roy hopes the action will mark the beginning of the end for the so-called Methil ming.
“This must be seen as a breakthrough in thinking by Scottish Water,” he said.
“For far too long the impression has been that the issue has been ‘parked,’ and that somehow it was going to go away.
“Scottish Water appears to have abandoned that position, and appears to have accepted that there is a problem.
“There is, and it must be solved.”
The plant takes in around 1000 litres of waste per second from an area spanning west Fife to Glenrothes and Leven.
While Scottish Water has brought in specialist equipment over the years to try and mask the odours, residents living downwind of the water works are still fed up with the smells emanating on a regular basis.
Professor Jackson is expected to consult closely with local people as part of his research and, although it is difficult to put a timeframe on the professor’s findings, an interim report could be prepared by September.
Mr Roy added, “It is encouraging to learn that he will be spending considerable time talking with local people in Methil as part of his investigations.
Mr Roy confirmed that any constituents who wish to express their views on the subject should can leave their details for Professor Jackson at his constituency office on 01592 758662.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy Flickr user Charles Williams.