​LOCAL MSP UPDATED ON MARY BURN CLEANUP

Last Week, Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh met with Scottish Water on site at the Mary Burn to be provided with a further update on the action being taken to clear the sewage at the site.
 
Following months of communication with Scottish Water, Mr Beattie again met with representatives to find out what action has been taken recently to remove the pollution, protect local residents and wildlife from the effects of it, and prevent recurrence.
 
Scottish Water has advised that they have continued the clear up on site at the burn with Rentokil in place carrying out the clean up. A tree surgeon has been employed to gain access to the hard to reach parts of the burn.
 
They also advised that a 2nd Screen has now been fitted to the sewage outlet with the hope that it will catch the wipes and towels before they flood into the burn and have promised to ensure that all outstanding debris will be removed as soon as possible. After every rainfall Scottish Water will attend the site and inspect for new pollution or exposure of old material and remove any debris from the site.
 
Speaking after the site visit, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“I thank Scottish Water for the action that has been taken so far and for keeping me updated. I do appreciate that there are some positive improvements, however, there are still too many old sanitary towels around the site which is likely due to the exposure of old material from current rainfall. Coupled with disturbances caused by the activities of the tree surgeon. ”
 
“I expect that Scottish Water continues to clean up the site as promised and will inspect the site after each rainfall to check for new pollution and remove any exposed old material.”
 
“I still have some reservations about the changes to the system and whether they are as effective as hoped for but I will continue to monitor and inspect myself.”
 
“I again encourage all residents to think before they flush!”