Whilst electrofishing the timed sites on the upper river today, ART biologists came across pollution stemming from the Powharnol Burn. The burn comes a short distance from the Powharnol coal site carrying overspill from the void that is overtopping. The burn flows across a field in which cattle have unrestricted access to the watercourse. The silt was as a result of the cattle stirring up the stream bed.
Pollution entering the river at Nether Wellwood Bridge.
ART staff reported this incident to SEPA and will seek an update on what action is taken later in the week. This appears to have been going on for some time as a lot of silt lies in the pool off the burn mouth. Lets hope enforcement action is taken to ensure the burn is fenced or cattle are excluded.
