A Fife MP has voiced his “anger and frustration” as complaints continue to pour in over the infamous Methil Ming.
Local MP Lindsay Roy has spoken out after it was revealed that Scottish Water received 46 complaints about the stench having to be endured by those living in the community during the first four weeks of August.
He said: “Following the totally unacceptable situation in July, when there were 75 complaints, I asked Scottish Water for an update on August 28 and, to my dismay, there had been a further 46.
“It means that the level of complaints has remained consistently and unacceptably high during the height of summer despite the various measures Scottish Water say they are taking to try and resolve the problem.
“Clearly they are not working and the horrible smell from the waste water treatment works is continuing to blight the lives of local people, who have had to suffer this for many years now.”
The Labour politician said those having to suffer the long running problems had his full sympathy.
And he pledged: “I remain as determined as ever to keep up the pressure on Scottish Water to ensure they find a permanent solution as soon as possible.’’
Mr Roy has informed FLAG the Friends of Levenmouth Action Group about the latest situation and said he was sure the members would share his anger and frustration.
“This has gone on for far, far too long and, quite frankly, it is ridiculous that Scottish Water has not been able to find a solution.
“Understandably, many people are now beginning to question how committed they really are to ridding Levenmouth of the obnoxious odours, despite their public assurances.’’
Mr Roy said he believed the latest problems again came from a breakdown in the dryer at the Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works.
“We are convinced there is an issue around the dryer we have said all along that is the major issue. Then we heard that there had been an unscheduled breakdown of the dryer.
“Both the local community and politicians are convinced that is the major source of the smell.”
He added that problems with the dryer resulted in waste sludge being removed by lorry, adding to congestion on the roads around the area and more complaints from fed-up locals.
A spokesman for Scottish Water told The Courier: “Scottish Water is continuing to take this matter seriously and investigate issues of odour in the local community.
“We are working closely with local stakeholders and recently held a very productive meeting to provide an update on our ongoing work. In recent months, we have appointed a community liaison representative, and environmental specialists from the James Hutton Institute a Heriot Watt University group are continuing with their study, which will help inform our work going forward.”
He added that Scottish Water was currently carrying out some essential work on the part of Levenmouth Waste Water Treatment Works, which is operated by Caledonian Environmental Levenmouth Treatment Services, which dries sludge.
“While this is being carried out, sludge is being taken elsewhere for disposal,” he went on.
“This means there have been a few more vehicles, which can securely transport sludge, in and out of the works. We would like to thank our customers in the area for their patience.
“We hope to complete this work as soon as possible,” he added.