Protecting the environment is a core value in modern society. Numerous organisations are dedicated to developing strategies to preserve our natural world, and a love for nature is actively encouraged in children from a young age. Families often participate in events and initiatives aimed at fostering eco-awareness. Find out more at edinburghname.
However, a paradox of our time is that while we champion environmental care, we also promote industry and infrastructure that can become nature’s greatest adversaries. This phenomenon is global, and Edinburgh, unfortunately, is no exception. Despite its firm commitment to environmental protection, the local environment still suffers from the impacts of a highly developed civilisation.
A Pressing Problem
Untreated sewage polluting rivers is one of Scotland’s most urgent environmental issues. According to a freedom of information request obtained by The Ferret, Scottish waterways were polluted by sewage over 12,000 times in 2020 alone.
This is largely because the UK uses a combined sewage system, where rainwater runoff and household wastewater are carried in the same pipes. During heavy rainfall, these systems can exceed their capacity. To prevent waste from backing up into homes and public spaces, combined sewer overflows are used to discharge the excess directly into rivers.
A Clear Example
The serious problem of declining river water quality in Scotland was brought into the public eye in 2019 with the case of the River Almond. The cause was identified as de-icing fluid from Edinburgh Airport, a harmful substance that was poisoning the river’s ecosystem.
Drawing Attention
It was revealed that SEPA (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency) had been investigating the issue since 2018. The agency had already served the airport administration with a formal enforcement notice. In response, the airport stated that it had allocated funds to purchase new equipment that would have a significantly lower environmental impact.
Serious Harm
De-icing fluid is a vital safety measure, applied to aircraft before take-off whenever the temperature drops below 5°C. Experts estimate that approximately 150 litres of the fluid are required for each plane.
In this situation, it was found that after application, surface water from the runway flowed into the Gogar Burn, a stream that runs directly underneath the airport. From there, it travelled straight into the River Almond.
The Expert Opinion
The negative impact of the de-icing fluid was officially confirmed by experts from leading organisations, highlighting a critical problem with consequences that could not be understated.
Alison Baker, manager of The Forth Rivers Trust, explained that de-icers and similar pollutants have a devastating effect on a river’s ecosystem. The primary chemical in the fluid is toxic to the fish and invertebrates that inhabit the water. Specifically, Baker mentioned the threat to species like trout and eels.
Collaborative Work
Returning to Edinburgh Airport’s response to SEPA’s demands, the initial actions were not entirely successful. While the airport did react, the implementation of new technology inadvertently led to a build-up of fungus along a 4-kilometre stretch of the river.
SEPA once again approached the airport, urging the use of more “environmentally friendly solutions” to tackle the pollution from the de-icing fluid. A SEPA representative acknowledged the airport’s prompt efforts but noted that the problem was not fully resolved. As a result, the agency proposed a long-term collaboration to improve and accelerate the investment needed for a fundamental solution.
Thus, river pollution remains a significant issue in Edinburgh. The by-products of numerous industries and their activities generate various harmful substances. When these enter the rivers, they devastate the local ecosystem and cause enormous damage to the environment.
It is no surprise, then, that Edinburgh’s authorities and environmental agencies are trying every possible method to convey the immense importance of environmental protection. It is the only way to achieve maximum awareness and ensure the preservation of our ecology.