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Energy project caused River Ness silt leak – extra safety measures have been added to the construction of a 92kW Archimedes Screw hydroelectric power turbine better known as the River Ness Hydro


By Ian Duncan

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The River Ness hydro scheme where the silt entered the water.
The River Ness hydro scheme where the silt entered the water.

Extra safety measures have been added to the construction of a major energy project after silt got into the River Ness and discoloured the water.

Concerns were initially raised by local anglers who noticed that the river had become cloudy.

Steve Watt, the interim vice president of Inverness Angling Club, identified that the source was by the construction site of Highland Council’s £2.5 million hydro scheme near Whin Park.

He was concerned that whatever the cause, it could affect juvenile fish living in the river.

Mr Watt alerted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), who sent officers to the scene that day.

Artist's impression of the River Ness Hydro project.
Artist's impression of the River Ness Hydro project.

A council spokeswoman said silt escaped the “controlled working area” at the construction site of the River Ness Hydro.

“As part of the process the initial water goes through a silt buster then through a number of filtering bunds before going into the river,” she added yesterday afternoon.

“SEPA were informed of the silt leakage from bunds immediately after its occurrence on Friday and all pumping works on site stopped. As part of the existing safety measures in place, booms were already in position on the river and since Friday more have been added.

“SEPA attended the site and were satisfied with all the mitigation measures that had taken place. Highland Council officials and the contractor have been monitoring the situation over the weekend and no further occurrences have taken place.

“Pumping works will recommence shortly on site using an alternative method of filtering via the silt busters that has been discussed with SEPA.”

SEPA and council officials were on site over the weekend monitoring the situation and it is understood the river eco-systems have not been damaged.

A SEPA spokesman said last Friday: “SEPA is aware of an ongoing pollution incident on the River Ness in Inverness, which is resulting in some discolouration of the river.

“A SEPA officer is in attendance and work has been stopped at the site which is the source of the pollution and measures are being taken to stop the release of coloured water.

“We would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone that is concerned about a potential pollution incident to contact our 24-hour pollution reporting line as soon as possible.”

The project will see the installation of a 92kW Archimedes Screw hydroelectric power turbine and aims to save up to 1420 tonnes of CO2 per annum to help to meet vital climate and ecological emergency targets.

The hydroelectric turbine is set to be completed by spring.

• To report a suspected pollution incident, visit here.


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