A Kinross-shire councillor wants more powers given to authorities to control hideous smells caused by farmers spreading sewage on fields.
This follows complaints from scores of villagers about recent smells from the Chance Inn Farm, near Kinross.
Councillor Willie Robertson, one of the representatives for the Kinross-shire ward, told The Courier he feels legislation clamping down on such incidents needs to be clarified, in order to “protect” neighbouring residents.
It’s been confirmed that the Scottish Government are currently conducting a review into the spreading of sewage sludge, with the final recommendations being part of on-going consultation. And a spokesperson for Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said they have had talks with the owners of Chance Inn Farm from “an environmental perspective” regarding the way in which the sludge has been spread.
Mr Robertson said he doesn’t want a repeat of similar incidents which have occurred in the past in Kinross-shire.
“I still clearly remember the dreadful situation the residents of Blairingone had to live with through the spreading of sewage sludge on the land near the village,” he said.
“I don’t want a repeat of this here in Kinross or anywhere else. It is the time of year where people should be able to enjoy their gardens, hang out their washing and use local attractions like the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, without the smell of sewage sludge filling the air.
“I am very concerned about the apparent lack of clarity within SEPA on how to protect people from this very anti-social activity. I will be pressing for a robust response from them on this issue.”
He continued: “It appears the legislation is unfinished and they actually don’t have any power to protect people from the effects of sewage sludge being spread near their homes. This is another example of sloppy legislation from the Scottish Government.
“The problems associated with sewage sludge spreading go back for years. It is a disgrace that we are still waiting for effective measures to be put in place which will protect people from this practice.”
The SEPA spokesperson said they are aware of the odour issues from sewage sludge spreading at Chance Inn Farm.
“While the impact of nuisance odours from spreading activities on local residents is a matter for the local authority to address, SEPA have had discussions with the site operator regarding the potential environmental impact of spreading sludge close to local watercourses,” she commented.
“A number of actions have been requested of the operator to ensure that compliance is achieved and that the water environment is duly protected.”
Perth and Kinross Council say their environmental health team are working closely with SEPA regarding the issue.
“The council takes complaints of this nature very seriously and council officers have made a number of visits to the area to investigate complaints of odour from the spreading of treated sewage sludge on agricultural land,” a council spokesperson said.
“The officers can confirm the presence of an odour related to the waste being spread. Complainants have been advised to keep a log of their complaints to facilitate the council in their on-going investigations.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government confirmed that recommendations from the Sewage Sludge Review have not yet been implemented.
“We are continuing to work with SEPA and Scottish Water to take these forward,” a spokesperson said.
“Some of the recommendations will require changes to legislation, and we will of course undertake a public consultation on any draft legislative proposals.”
