Sewage 'not present' on Dumbarton beach, say SEPA

We previously told how local MSP Jackie Baillie had received complaints from constituents about sewage on Havoc beach, as well as witnessing it herself, and calling it a "disgrace".

However, SEPA has stated the site is currently occupied by rotten seaweed rather than sewage.

The organisation states members of their Local Environmental Performance Team attended the beach along with Scottish Water Officers and carried out a visual inspection of the shoreline.

(Image: Jackie Baillie)

Photographic evidence was also reportedly taken and closely examined by the agency's Marine Ecology Team, who confirmed it was accumulations of rotting seaweed.

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A spokesperson from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “During the warmer weather, the public may see these natural build-ups of seaweed collecting on Scottish beaches due to a combination of rough seas, higher tides and strong winds.

"It is understandable that seaweed would be mistaken for sewage, and we would always encourage people to contact us if they are unsure.

“Odour is a good way to tell the difference between seaweed and sewage.

"If there is a foul, fish-like smell this is evidence of seaweed beginning to rot.

"If it were sewage, we would expect to see toilet paper, wet wipes and period products – most of which shouldn't be disposed of down the toilet.

A Scottish Water spokesperson added: “If sewer-related debris washes up on beaches it is a direct result of people flushing inappropriate items down toilets rather than using a bin.

“Wipes, sanitary towels, nappies and even contact lenses can end up in the environment when excess stormwater is diverted from the sewer network to protect homes and businesses from flooding during extreme weather.

“That is why we launched our Nature Calls campaign which successfully called for a ban on wipes containing plastic.

“By working together, we can protect properties, communities and the environment against the impact of increasing demand and climate change.”

Jackie Baillie MSP responded: "The problem was reported to me in early June and I visited the shoreline at Havoc then.

"What I witnessed and smelt was not rotting seaweed but sewage.

"The sampling done by Scottish Water and SEPA was more than a month later and the tide would have washed much of the sewage away by that point."