I have received notification from Scottish Water that it has identified an issue at West Ferry Pumping Station which has resulted in two intermittent leaks of wastewater on to the foreshore. These two weak points in the system, at Douglas Terrace and at the walkway between Douglas Terrace and Grassy Beach, were inspected by Scottish Water and SEPA on Friday. Scottish Water has advised that along with its PFI partners Catchment Tay Ltd and Veolia Water it is working through the following actions to deal with it:
“Installation of additional temporary pumping at West Ferry Pumping Station to draw down the level in the sewerage system. This was implemented today (Friday) and has relieved the pressure on the system and stopped the leaks to the foreshore. Unfortunately, this action requires the 24hr use of a generator for a period of time. Veolia Water have sourced the quietest generator on the market to try and avoid any noise disruption and we hope this is effective.
Following the success of the additional pumping, a new seal will be installed at the Douglas Terrace leak location. Veolia Water will continue to work over this weekend to complete the work.
Also, once the level in the system has been drawn down, Veolia Water will need to take access to the Pumping Station to inspect all below ground assets and ensure optimum operation going forward. The station has worked effectively for a number of years and we will restore this level of performance.
Major works will be required at the walkway leak location, entailing demolition and reconstruction of an underground chamber. This will remove the leak risk and reinstate the beach to its former condition. Veolia Water have been instructed to undertake these works but a contractor has yet to be appointed. We will provide a further update in advance of these works.”
Updates will be given to SEPA and Veolia Water will continue regular inspections until things are back to normal.
Following receipt of its notification I emailed Scottish Water’s Regional Community Manager with some questions including how long the major works will take at the walkway leak location, will the walkway need to be closed for the works, will there continue to be intermittent leaks until this work is carried out and what volume of wastewater has been leaked into the river.
