B.H.C. Limited, based in Enniskillen, has been served a Fixed Monetary Penalty (FMP) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) after the regulator found that they were responsible for an unauthorised discharge from a septic tank into the Medwin Water in South Lanarkshire.
SEPA received reports in April 2023 of an odorous, discoloured discharge to the Medwin Water in Carnwath from a pipe in the bank. When SEPA officers attended to investigate they witnessed the discharge and discolouration of the watercourse, as well as identifying the presence of sewage fungus on the bank of the Medwin Water, particularly under the outfall pipe.
The discharge was traced to a septic tank owned by B.H.C Limited located at Libberton Mains Development. Whilst the company has a licence to discharge treated sewage effluent from the outfall pipe to the Medwin Water, the release observed by SEPA officers caused pollution and was a breach of licence conditions designed to protect the water environment.
SEPA is satisfied that B.H.C. Limited was responsible for the unauthorised discharge and an FMP is appropriate in this case.
Shona McConnell, SEPA Senior Manager – Environmental Performance, said:
“Owners of septic tanks have an important responsibility to ensure their tanks are maintained and performing properly. Pollution from tanks that are discharging incorrectly pose a risk to our water environment, potentially harming important aquatic ecosystems.
“This civil penalty should act as a warning to others that we will take action against those who ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations.”
