Concern over sewage at four Fife beaches

Beaches at Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy had all been polluted in breach of limits last month, revealed in information released by The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

However, the body found that sewage level samples, taken at Aberdour’s Silver Sands on August 17, were found to be an incredible 50 times over the safety limit.

It was listed as the worst affected beach in Scotland along with Luss Bay on Loch Lomond.

As a result the agency contacted Fife Coast and Countryside Trust to erect signs warning against bathing at Silver Sands, but these were removed on August 20 after further tests by SEPA found contamination levels had significantly reduced.

Mr Hanvey has since written to SEPA requesting an immediate update and to know the implications for the “safe use of beaches” across his Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.

He has also demanded that in future all local representatives are kept informed about sewage breaches.

The local MP said: “As restrictions ease, folk are beginning to use our beaches more, so this is really concerning news.

“It’s simply not good enough for the community and local representatives to be left in the dark about such a serious level of sewage pollution.

“The fact that SEPA is warning folk not to swim at these beaches for a couple of days after heavy rain gives you an indication of how serious this can be.

“Part of my job is to keep my constituents updated about local issues. This is exactly the kind of thing that MPs, MSPs, and councillors can help communicate to the local community.

“Beaches like Silversands are the pride of the community, and we must do everything we can to make sure they stay that way.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency said: “On Monday, August 17 routine samples taken by our specialists showed elevated levels of bacteria at Aberdour Silversands bathing water.

“As a precautionary measure, SEPA contacted the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and they erected signage to advise against bathing and paddling.

“Additional samples were taken by our specialists on Thursday, August 20 which showed bacteria levels had reduced significantly. As such, we advised the Trust that the signage could be removed as we did not believe there was an ongoing risk in bathing in the area.

“As a precautionary measure we took further follow up samples on Monday, August 24. These samples indicated the water quality had returned to excellent condition.

“We have investigated potential pollution sources in the vicinity and Scottish Water has carried out an inspection of all relevant assets, but no issues were found.

“One of the biggest impacts on the water quality at bathing waters is due to the weather, especially heavy rain such as Scotland experienced recently.

“Bathing is not advised during, or one to three days after, heavy rainfall as there is a risk that water pollution may occur. This can be as a result of urban and agricultural run-off and sewerage sources.

“Whilst Burntisland, Kinghorn (Harbour Beach) and Kirkcaldy (Seafield) have Good or Sufficient bathing water classifications, like most of Scotland’s bathing waters they are at risk of a deterioration in water quality after heavy rainfall.

The spokesperson added: “Anyone who is concerned about a potential pollution incident can report this via www.sepa.org.uk/report.”

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