About Advertise with us Get our newsletter
Facebook Twitter Instagram

News

Dog walkers warned to mind pets after suspected pollution incident in the Kelvin

The incident was reported to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Friends of the River Kelvin.

An investigation is under way into a suspected pollution incident in the River Kelvin.

A 'white discharge' was witnessed by members of the public near Dawsholm Park on Tuesday.

Video footage shows discoloured water gushing out of an overflow into the river.

 The source of the discharge was reported near Dawsholm Park. Google Map
The source of the discharge was reported near Dawsholm Park. Google Map

The incident was reported to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Friends of the River Kelvin.

A post on the Friends' Facebook page read: "We've had reports and also witnessed a pollution incident today in the Kelvin.

"Thanks to those who observed, took photos and acted to report to FORK and to SEPA.

"SEPA have taken samples and the lab results should be confirmed tomorrow (Weds).

"We'll keep you posted. Until then we advise you keep yourselves and your dogs out of the River Kelvin."

Mike Crummy posted an image of what appeared to be the source.

 SEPA is testing samples taken from the water following a 'white discharge'. Photo: Mike Crummy
SEPA is testing samples taken from the water following a 'white discharge'. Photo: Mike Crummy

His picture was accompanied by the caption: "Looks like the culprit, also a strong chemical smell like cleaning products."

Other witnesses said they thought the colour of water looked odd downstream.

One said: "Thought the water passing through the wyndford was very Green, Turquoise even."

The Kelvin runs through heavily residential areas of the city as well as industrial quarters.

It eventually flows into the Clyde at Point House in Partick.

Its stretch downstream of Dawsholm is popular with dog walkers, some of whom swim their pets in the water.

'White discharge'

A spokesman for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) gave Glasgow West End Today a statement.

It read: “Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment.

"SEPA received reports from members of the public of a white discharge from an outfall into the River Kelvin yesterday afternoon (30 April).

"SEPA Officers attended to carry out an investigation and take samples to establish the potential source and environmental impact.

"Our investigations are currently ongoing and the discharge has now stopped.

"We would advise members of the public to contact our 24-hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 to report any potential pollution events.”

Share this story
Glasgow West End Today Loading