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Investigation launched after Aberdeen park ponds turn ‘frightening’ shade of orange

Westburn Park's pond turned orange on Friday, February 19, 2021. Supplied by Ross McLean
Westburn Park's pond turned orange on Friday, February 19, 2021. Supplied by Ross McLean

Ponds in an Aberdeen park turned a “frightening” shade of orange this weekend as a result of digging work at a nearby construction site.

Visitors to Westburn Park were surprised on Friday night to find a cloudy orange substance had found its way into all of its water features.

The park’s waterways, which are part of the Gilcomston Burn, remained tinged with the strange colouring for much of the weekend, but the stream is now once again running clear through the area.

Rosemount and Midstocket councillor Bill Cormie said he was told by the council the source of the discolouration had been traced back to a building site, and silt had entered the water as a result of digging work.

Mr Cormie said he received a number of concerned messages and calls from his constituents, who were worried about potential threats from the substance for pets and children.

As a result of the incident, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has launched an investigation to determine precisely what has happened.

He said: “The colour of the water was frightening, I was notified of the problem by the park’s friends group and dog walkers.

“Folk didn’t know what it was, but now we know it’s come from one of the building sites, which doesn’t surprise me.

“The water is running clear now, I’ve been up there myself to see it, but there was still some of the stuff lying on the bottom at the weekend.

“It was almost bright orange, and got brighter the further you went up the burn.

“I’m very hopeful there’s not been any serious pollution here.”

Mr Cormie added: “We cannot have this in a public park, and measures have to be taken to rectify the problem so it does not happen again, as if there is any flooding with this stuff, it could certainly change the colour of a lot more in the park, or worse.”

A spokesman for Sepa said: “Sepa is investigating discolouration in Gilcomston Burn in Aberdeen following recent reports from members of the public.

“Anyone who is concerned about a potential pollution incident can contact Sepa using our 24-hour online form at www.sepa.org.uk/report.”