A CONSERVATION chief has called on environment watchdogs to publicly report sewage discharges into the River Esk, which flows down to Musselburgh.

Alison Baker, director of the Forth Rivers Trust, made the plea after a recent report of an alleged sewage leak into the Ochre Burn – upstream of the Honest Toun at Newbattle in Midlothian.

A concerned member of the public reported the discharge to the trust and, in turn, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) last month.

Scottish Water said it investigated the public sewer network in the area of Ochre Burn and did not find any issues with its assets there or any evidence of a sewage leak, and believed it might be linked to a field drain.

East Lothian Courier: The alleged recent sewage leak into the Ochre Burn - upstream of Musselburgh at Newbattle in Midlothian.

Ms Baker said: “For a number of years, the trust and other bodies have been raising concerns on the discharge of sewage into the Esks.

“The sewer systems are designed so that, if there is abnormal rainfall, they will overflow into the river to prevent flooding but they also discharge at other times if there is a fault or other operational issue.

“These events seem to occur more and more often.

“The discharge into the river impacts on the ecology of the river, negatively affecting wildlife, and also has the potential to impact on the health of a person who comes into contact with the water – either directly because they swim or fish but also if dogs get into the river.”

She claimed: “Ideally, we do not think that untreated sewage should end up in the Esks; however, until that can be achieved, we think that local communities should be warned in real time of the dangers.

“SEPA and Scottish Water already provide warnings for flood and drinking water disruption. We would like to see this extended to sewage releases.

“The Esks continue to have sewage discharging into the burns and the main stem, which all end up in Musselburgh. The most recent is on the Ochre Burn, which flows into the South Esk at Newbattle.

“We would encourage members of the public to report pollution to SEPA and we would encourage SEPA and Scottish Water to effectively communicate with the public on these issues.”

Anglers in Musselburgh have also raised pollution concerns, alleging that untreated sewage and iron ore deposits from old mine workings were entering the river.

Spokesman Steven Dalgleish claimed: “Increasing sewage and other spills have been a constant feature these last few years, affecting several burns and the South and North Esks, and the conjoined river heading down through Musselburgh.

“River clarity in the summer in the Musselburgh area due to human waste is now a constant issue.”

A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “We operate combined sewer overflows (CSOs) which are regulated and licensed by SEPA.

“These discharge water at times of very heavy rainfall, which is very dilute and unlikely to harm the environment.

“It is highly unusual for our waste water network to spill outwith these times – but this can happen when there are blockages.

“In these cases, we carry out clean-ups and any repairs needed, monitor the area and liaise with SEPA.”

She added: “We are a member of the Esk River Improvement Group, which meets regularly to discuss ways to improve the river and any pollution incidents that have occurred.”

A spokesperson for SEPA added: “The recent notification of pollution entering the Ochre Burn was raised with Scottish Water, who inspected their assets and found no pollution.

“We have not been made aware of ongoing pollution at this location and would encourage members of the public to report pollution at the earliest opportunity at sepa.org.uk/report or by phoning 0800 807 060.”