East Lothian News: Algal blooms found in Belhaven Bay near Dunbar after SEPA investigates sewage concerns

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) discovered an algal bloom in the waters at Belhaven Bay while investigating a potential sewage leak.

Residents in East Lothian reported their concerns about pollution from a nearby processing plant to the environment agency, after spotting discolouration in the sea at the local beauty spot. However, SEPA has confirmed that there were “no signs of sewage or sewage related debris in the water”. The agency has revealed that the discolouration is caused by an algal bloom – a rapid increase in the population of algae in the sea. Some algal blooms release dangerous toxins into the water, which can be harmful to humans and animals.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: “Following reports from members of the public concerned about possible pollution at Belhaven Bay on Saturday 4 March, a SEPA officer attended to carry out an investigation and identify a source. There were no signs of sewage or sewage related debris, but the officer did see discolouration in the sea caused by an algal bloom. These blooms occur when conditions for algal growth are ideal, often in spring and summertime, and are commonly mistaken for sewage pollution due to the brown, frothy scum they form along coastlines. Scottish Water has been informed of our findings.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who contacted us, and encourage anyone who is concerned about potential pollution to contact SEPA as soon as possible via the Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 or online at www.sepa.org.uk/report.’’

In January 2020, locals were urged not to enter the water at the beach for weeks, after a sewage spill contaminated the waters with human waste.

Belhaven Bay is a popular swimming spot, which also attracts surfers and windsurfers. According to SEPA’s latest reports, the water quality at Belhaven Bay is classified as ‘good’. However, there are still risks of wet-weather driven short-term pollution in the area. Swimmers are advised to avoid swimming for a couple days after heavy rainfall, due to risks to health from water pollution.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: "Scottish Water was contacted about discoloured water in Belhaven Bay on Saturday 4th March. Our teams thoroughly investigated and did not identify any issues with our assets or spills from the network. SEPA have since confirmed that discolouration in the water was due to a naturally occurring algal bloom, not Scottish Water activities.”