A sewage expert who was drafted in by Scottish Water to provide Torry residents with independent advice on foul-smelling odours plaguing the area has finalised his work.
Professor Rob Jackson was commissioned in 2015 to investigate the source of the so-called “Torry Pong”, which residents in the community believe emanated from the Nigg Waste Water Treatment Works.
During his time working with groups like the Torry Community Council and the Torry Odour Stakeholder Group, he has provided independent advice on how best to deal with bad smells.
Now, after preparing a report and recommending a series of actions, Professor Jackson has been told his services are no longer required.
Last night, he spoke briefly to say: “The situation in Torry has certainly improved, but there are still some problems in Aberdeen.”
Scottish Water has reported a reduction in the number of complaints in recent months, with an average of just one odour incident a month following its investment in the Nigg site. Residents, however, maintain that the problem remains significant, with anecdotal evidence suggesting some have become so disillusioned by lack of action that they no longer report every incident.
The issue is expected to be on the agenda at the next meeting of the local community council.
Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt, the chairwoman of the Torry Odour Stakeholder group, said: “As chairwoman I have been involved for several years and thank Rob Jackson for the report he compiled on the Nigg Waste Water Treatment Plant.
“We have managed to secure substantial investment to minimise the odour from the plant and this has resulted in fewer complaints from the public on this matter in recent times.
“However, we cannot be complacent, and will continue to proactively engage with the community to ensure any concerns that they have are appropriately addressed.”
A spokesman for Scottish Water said: “Scottish Water, working with its PFI partner, continues to work to minimise the impact of odour in the local community.
“There have been only six events reported in the past six months, reflective of the ongoing actions and vigilance of Scottish Water and its PFI partner.
“We remain committed to ensure incidences of odour emissions are kept to a minimum. We shall continue to engage and communicate with all stakeholders, including representatives of the local community.”
He added: “The specialist technical odour advice provided by Professor Jackson over the years has been very much appreciated in getting us to this position, and we thank him for his input.”
