A Fife councillor fears a rather powerful stench may deter visitors flocking to see the three Forth bridges.
Rosyth councillor Mike Shirkie says the proof of the success of a £2 million project to rid the bridgehead area of its distinctive aroma will be “in the smelling”.
Mr Shirkie said: “People have been complaining for years about the smell emanating from the waste water treatment works.
“The smell has been compared to rotten eggs and rotting carcasses to mention a couple.”
The problems stem from the works which lie just outwith North Queensferry and Rosyth, next to the access road for the new Queensferry Crossing.
“Depending on the direction of the wind, people are being affected in Rosyth, North Queensferry, the Ferrytoll Park and Ride and even drivers and passengers crossing the Forth Road Bridge,” he said.
“We have been told by SEPA that they carry out regular checks of the plant, presumably wearing gas masks.”
However, he was pleased to report that a major remediation initiative is now underway by Scottish Water to bring the plant up to modern standards with particular emphasis on the treatment of sludge, which appeared to be the main cause of the smell.
“Although this has been a long time coming for our long suffering residents, it is perhaps timely with the World Heritage award to the Forth Bridge, completion of the Queensferry Crossing and the unique sight of three bridges crossing the Forth, each constructed in three different centuries, creating a magnet for tourists.
“There should be no need to issue clothes pegs to visitors.
“That said, the proof of the completed project will be in the smelling.”
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Scottish Water is investing more than £2 million at our waste water treatment work in Dunfermline to help address odours issues at the site.
“We are installing a new sludge handling centre and relocating the process from its current external location to within an existing odour controlled building.
“We are also installing new sealed skips, contained pipework and are re-commissioning the existing odour control system.
“This should help improve odour issues and should be in operation by the end of May.”