The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have warned that pollution from a burn in North Lanarkshire could affect water ways in Glasgow and Cumbernauld. 

Members of the public have been reporting the water turning black, dead fish and toxic smells at Bothlin Burn in the Moodiesburn area of North Lanarkshire. 

SEPA say the problem could also affect Luggie Water and the River Kelvin. 

Local MSPs Rona Mackay and Fulton MacGregor contacted SEPA over the issues affecting the Bothlin Burn

An ecological survey is planned for Thursday and officers have been on the scene everyday since Sunday as investigations continue. 

 

In the letter to Sepa, the SNP MSPs said: “The local community is very concerned as this is a popular spot with dog walkers and families out walking.

“They are reporting the water turning black, dead fish, stones covered in slime and strong toxic smells.

“As you can understand, with the recent weather uptick and our constituents using the local area for walking, exercise and leisure, our constituents remain incredibly concerned for the safety of the local environment.”

Local resident Laura Cranie said the pollution was first noticed in the past couple of weeks.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA is aware of a pollution issue in the Bothlin Burn in the Moodiesburn area that may have downstream effects on the Luggie Water and River Kelvin.

“Our officers have attended every day since Sunday and samples have been taken. Investigations are continuing, with an ecological survey planned for Thursday, and we are in contact with all relevant parties with a view to identifying the source or sources and determining what further action needs to be taken.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to contact us. pollution incidents can be reported via our 24-hour online form at www.sepa.org.uk/report.”