A BROWN material which appeared on the River Esk, near the Electric Bridge at Musselburgh, has been confirmed as “blossom with ironstaining” by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Local MSP Colin Beattie has now raised concern about the “frequent occurrences” of pollution reported in the River Esk at Musselburgh in recent months.

A SEPA spokesperson said that water from the former Bilston Glen Colliery was flowing into the River South Esk at Junkies Adit, Dalkeith.

“Water from mine workings contains naturally occurring metals, such as iron from the mined rocks,” she added.

“When mine water flows into a river, the iron settles on the bed of the river, causing the orange colour. The iron can also cause staining of naturally occurring plant material, such as pollen or blossom, that floats in the river.”

She added: “The seasonal reduction in river flow can mean that orange discolouration in the Esk rivers has become more visible. There is less dilution available in the river and so the visual impact of the mine water has increased.

“Any prolonged dry weather over the coming weeks and months could result in further reduction in river flows and increased mine water impacts.

“We also work with partners on longer term solutions. In this case we have supported the Coal Authority and other stakeholders in working to secure a treatment scheme for the mine water discharge at Bilston Glen.

“SEPA will continue to work with stakeholders as this progresses and welcomes the benefits the mine water treatment scheme will bring for the river and the local community.”

This follows a report on April 28 from a member of the public of potential pollution in the burn at Newhailes, which flows into the Brunstane burn before entering the Forth.

The water was reported as being a white cloudy colour, with one social media post suggesting that it could be paint put in the system from a street drain.

The SEPA spokesperson said: “An officer from SEPA attended the area and found no ongoing incident, with waters running clear. Officers will continue to monitor the watercourse.”

These latest potential pollution scares come in the wake of a major incident earlier this year when the River Esk at Musselburgh suffered an oil-based spillage, sparking concerns about the effect on wildlife, including swans.

READ MORE: Council continuing to monitor River Esk in the wake of pollution incident

Local MSP Colin Beattie raised concern about the “frequent occurrences” of pollution reported in the River Esk at Musselburgh.

He said: “I am growing increasingly concerned at the frequent occurrences of pollution reported in the River Esk recently.

“Going forward, I would like to see a more robust and co-ordinated response from both SEPA and local authorities in tackling pollution incidents, a point which I raised on the back of the earlier pollution incident this year.

“As chair of the Esk River Improvement Group, I will continue to push on this effort.

“I am aware of two incidents within the last week that I have followed up with SEPA and all other stakeholders in the Esk River Improvement Group meeting on Monday of this week.

“SEPA have reassured me they are looking into this and I await an official statement.”

The SEPA spokesperson added: “We continue to monitor the River Esk at Musselburgh following the pollution incident on Friday, January 14, 2022, and our investigation remains ongoing.”

She said: “There have been a number of pollution incidents involving the River Esk this year. However, there is no evidence of connection between these events and it is possible more awareness in the area of potential impacts on the river has led to an increase in reports.

“When incidents do occur, we work within our powers and closely with partners.

“SEPA is also part of the Esk River Improvement Group, which demonstrates our commitment to partnership working and communication with local communities.”

She thanked members of the public for reporting the incidents, adding: “SEPA would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone concerned about potential pollution to contact our 24-hour pollution reporting line as soon as possible. This can be done online at www.sepa.org.uk report or by calling 0800 80 70 60.”

East Lothian Council stated that any concerns about suspected pollution in watercourses should be made to SEPA.

The council spokesperson said: “In common with other local authorities, East Lothian Council supports SEPA in their work investigating incidents of pollution and will continue to do so.”