Seafield stench 'worse than ever'

Published on Monday 6 July 2009 10:09

WATER chiefs today faced fresh calls for action over the "Seafield stench" amid claims the infamous smell from the sewage works was "worse than ever".

Justice secretary and local MSP Kenny MacAskill said people were unable to enjoy the sun in their gardens or on Leith Links without enduring an "appalling" smell.

Mark Lazarowicz, MP for the next-door constituency, said he had been inundated with complaints.

Scottish Water admitted there had been "higher than normal instances of odour", but said steps had been taken to fix the issue.

Work is due to begin later in the summer on a 20 million package of measures, including an "odour abatement plant" to be fitted above the sewage tanks to filter out the noxious smells.

Mr Lazarowicz said the work should also involve covering the primary settlement tanks, as requested by local residents. He has written to finance secretary John Swinney, the minister who oversees Scottish Water, urging him to require such a move.

He said: "There is a very real fear that if these tanks are not covered, the current proposals will not ensure that the smell is removed once and for all."

Mr Lazarowicz, Labour MP for Edinburgh North & Leith, said: "Over the last few weeks, the stench appears to have become stronger, and can now be smelt in large parts of my constituency on frequent occasions.

"I have been inundated with complaints. The situation appears now to be worse than ever."

Meanwhile, Mr MacAskill, SNP MSP for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh, said he was speaking to Scottish Water and Seafield operators Veolia Water UK and seeking an urgent meeting with the council to ensure they were all on top of the problem.

He said: "We need to make sure everyone is playing their part.

"In the current weather we like to bask in the heat, but the smell is frankly appalling.

"If you are unable to sit in the garden and enjoy the weather there is something wrong."

Scottish Water said a lack of rain meant sewage flowing into the works was less diluted than normal, but chemical dosing had been increased to neutralise the smell.

It said it had also delayed emptying and cleaning the storm tanks at Seafield until the wind was in a favourable direction, but this work was completed on Friday.

Scottish Water's John Telfer said: "Veolia and Scottish Water have been fully aware of the problems these recent issues have caused and Veolia have taken steps to address the issue.

"Every effort will be made to try and minimise odour issues in accordance with the site's odour management plan."

A council spokeswoman said: "The council regulates the site at Seafield and will ensure the odour improvement plan is implemented within the agreed timeframe."