Warning issued after river chemical contamination

Several warnings have been issued to residents and farmers in Scotland, who have been advised to stay away from a river that was contaminated with chemicals.

Investigations are currently being carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Water, who are ascertaining how chemicals were spilled into the River Farg and the River Earn, which it flows into.

Early indications are that aluminium sulphate was released into the river from the Glenfarg Water Treatment Works and, although drinking water was not affected, people are being advised to avoid the river, where possible.

Eyewitness reports speak of the river being milky-coloured, with froth on the surface visible throughout the morning, and now Scottish Water says it is working with Sepa to investigate the main area of pollution, which was immediately downstream from the Glenfarg Reservoir.

To tackle the clean-up operation, a multi-agency risk management group has been set up, with participants including Sepa and Scottish Water, as well as NHS Tayside, Perth and Kinross Council, and Health Protection Scotland.

According to a spokesperson for Scottish Water, the spill has been contained, while additional water has been released from the Glenfarg Reservoir to dilute the impact of the chemical.

Despite this, a certain amount of chemical made its way to Glenfarg and Aberargie, which are located downstream, and householders and businesses in the area have subsequently been warned to avoid contact with the river until the risk management group is satisfied that the danger has passed.

When questioned on the risk to the general population, public health medicine consultant Dr Jackie Hyland said the wellbeing of locals is a "priority" and offered assurances that action has been taken to prevent both the risk to the public, and to resolve the situation "as quickly as possible".

No timeframe has yet been given on when the public will be able to come into contact with the river once again.