Murdo Fraser MSP hopes local residents will welcome findings from SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) on the “shocking” oil spillage in Killin, in Perthshire.
The Scottish Conservative politician was reacting to an email sent to elected members from the environmental body regarding the issue, the cause of which has been identified as diesel storage at the Lix Toll garage in Killin.
SEPA has confirmed that the initial focus is ‘on containing as much of the spill as possible.’
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I welcome this update on the oil spillage from SEPA as several constituents have contacted me about this very alarming incident. SEPA have said that a number of specialist staff provided advice following reports of oil within the River Dochart, near Killin, last Thursday (February 19).
“In their email, SEPA state that a visual inspection carried out on Sunday indicates the situation has improved. They said that the east end of Loch Tay was clear, and no impacts were evident in the River Tay from Kenmore to Aberfeldy. They say the bulk of the oil will be ‘contained and removed.’ However, they also stress that some oil may continue to bypass the containment and there is still some oil present in upstream watercourses, so they expect some oil may continue to get washed downstream to Loch Tay for some time.”
Mr Fraser continued: “I am reassured that SEPA have said they will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with authorities and Scottish Water to help manage any impacts. They say that further sampling will be carried out early next week when any impacts are more likely to have become apparent and added that the initial focus is on containing as much of the spill as possible.
“In their email, SEPA say that the garage owner (Certas Energy) has a specialist remediation contractor on site assisting and have said they will be liaising with the garage owner if they consider any further measures are required. Plans for full remediation of the site will be produced by garage owner but are not available at this stage.
“It is also important for local residents to know that SEPA is investigating the incident as an unauthorised discharge into the water environment.
“I am sure my constituents will find this update from SEPA very useful, and I hope it will answer many of their questions over this shocking incident.”
