Scottish Water has been fined after more than 650,000 cubic metres of untreated sewage was discharged into the River Clyde in Glasgow.
People who live or work along the river could not open their windows, sit outside or entertain friends due to the smell and complained about the odour and the material which could be seen in the water.
Glasgow Sheriff Court was told a mechanical failure at the Kinning Park Waste Water Pumping Station caused a blockage that led to incoming sewage being diverted and discharged from three overflows along the south bank of the river between Glasgow Green and Springfield Quay, the Crown Office said.
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An estimated 650,000 cubic metres or more of untreated sewage was discharged into the River Clyde between May 16 2016 and June 9 2016.
Scottish Water admitted water pollution, pleading guilty to two charges under the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003.
The company, which said it apologises “unreservedly” for the incident, was fined £19,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
Sara Shaw, procurator fiscal, wildlife and environment said: “Scottish Water failed to take effective remedial steps to address various issues that had been identified over a period of months leading up to this incident.
“Had those steps been taken at an earlier stage the incident could have been avoided.
“The failure to adequately address real areas of risk as they came to light and the resulting impact on the local community is disappointing.”
Following the incident, some residents had to launder soft furnishings to remove the smell.
Prosecutors said there appears to have been no lasting significant environmental impact.
The Crown Office said the fine of £19,000 was reduced from £28,500 due to the early plea.
Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: “Scottish Water takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously.
“This incident was very regrettable and we apologise unreservedly for it.
“Scottish Water is responsible for the treatment of 1 billion litres of wastewater every day and has 1,827 wastewater treatment works, 33,058 miles of wastewater pipes and 2,863 pumping stations. Incidents like this are very rare.”
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He added: “We have already undertaken a programme of work costing more than £100 million so far, with another £10 million to £12 million to follow, in order to prevent similar events at the pumping station and to protect the network in the future.
“The Shieldhall Tunnel, completed in 2018, is improving water quality in the River Clyde, reducing the risk of flooding and, in respect of this incident, reducing the strain on the Kinning Park Pumping Station.
“Further capital investment is being planned for the pumping station to improve our infrastructure there.”
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