dr Pippa scott, raag co-chair
Four years ago, uproar erupted around my local River Almond. Residents were alarmed by CSOs discharging during dry weather, and the riverbanks and Cramond beach were visibly strewn with wet wipes. Concerns were also raised about the need to take action for future generations, given climate change projections of increased rainfall.
Initially, SEPA and Scottish Water dismissed these concerns, assuring residents that “everything was fine” and “the system was operating as it should.” It clearly wasn’t.
Though reluctant to campaign at first (I really didn’t need this in my life at the time) the dismissive responses and lack of a long-term plan for change, was a compelling call to action. I joined the River Almond Action Group, a grassroots volunteer group adding their voice to the increasing outrage of sewage pollution across the UK.
Today, the Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) report validates residents’ claims, highlighting:
– Lack of comprehensive public data
– Frequent CSO spills beyond “exceptional circumstances”
– Outdated regulations
ESS finds that “there has been a failure by Scottish Government to clearly articulate the position as regards discharges from storm overflows linked to exceptional events.” The report calls for increased monitoring, updated guidance, and improved transparency from Scottish Water and Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
The last four years with the River Almond Action Group have seen citizen action, legal action (as an advice client of the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland), and stakeholder dialogue. With support from our local MSP Angela Constance and MP Hannah Bardell, the River Almond Action Group has engaged in quarterly meetings with water bodies Scottish Water / Veolia, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, local government, local charities such as Forth Rivers Trust and community groups. That group comprises of some great individuals and fosters dialogue and trust where citizen voices are more respected.
The landscape is shifting but it’s pretty shocking that citizens and charities are still having to do so much of the boot work to convince The Scottish Government, Environmental Standards Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency to take sufficient action to protect the environment from water pollution. We urgently need The Scottish Government and statutory water agencies to act and drive real change.
If you are in the central belt of Scotland and want to find out more about this issue, or come and chat please come to the West Lothian Water Confluence Sat, 28 Sep 2024 10:00 – 16:00 BST.
Event details and registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-lothian-water-confluence-tickets-970947258387#