Swimmers warned to avoid Saltcoats after sewage spill

We are being advised not swim in the sea at Saltcoats this weekend, it is after sewage had to be let into the water there following a fault.

Scottish Water is working with SEPA on emergency repairs to the burst main that caused the issue and is monitoring the situation.

In the meantime, we arebeing advised to stay out the water until the environment watchdog declares the area safe.

SEPA is working closely with Scottish Water, North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran and will continue to work together to monitor the situation.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: “SEPA is aware of repair work on a sewer within Saltcoats, near the Saltcoats Sewage Pumping Station, and is liaising with Scottish Water.

“To allow the repairs to be carried out, Scottish Water was required to make an emergency, temporary discharge of screened sewage to the sea. SEPA has been informed that repairs have been carried out and the discharge has now stopped.

“SEPA’s electronic bathing water signage will continue to reflect the temporary guidance against paddling or bathing until SEPA is satisfied there is no risk.

“Water quality testing has been carried out and SEPA officers are closely monitoring the situation.”

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Scottish Water’s contractor George Leslie Ltd are currently on site at Auchenharvie Golf Course, Saltcoats Road, Stevenston following a burst on a rising main. The burst was reported to us by a member of the public on Sunday 19th June and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) were notified as soon as possible.

“The main has since been excavated, the burst isolated and a temporary repair has now been successfully completed. There is currently no sewage discharge to the sea and Scottish Water is continuing to monitor the temporary solution in place.

“Appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure any impact on the local environment is kept to a minimum and tankering is in place. A clean-up of the golf course is also being carried out. We are continuing to liaise with SEPA and key stakeholders.”

“Investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the permanent repair that is required.”

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “North Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Health Team is working with partners SEPA and Scottish Water to manage the effects of this incident.

“We are in contact with local businesses impacted by this fault to offer support and guidance.

“As a precautionary measure SEPA has changed its water bathing guidance and we would ask that people visiting the seafront and beach area of Saltcoats and Stevenston avoid entering the water at this time.”

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We were able to quickly put appropriate measures in place to ensure any impact on the local environment was kept to a minimum.

“The burst has now been successfully repaired and we are cleaning up the site ahead of reinstating any damage caused.

“We will continue to work with SEPA and key stakeholders. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this incident and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

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