Residents urged to avoid Caw Burn after Livingston industrial estate chemical spill
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Residents in West Lothian have been warned against going into a burn which it is feared may have been contaminated with a hazardous substance after a chemical spill.
The Scottish Environmental Protect Agency (SEPA) has urged residents to avoid going into Caw Burn or letting their dogs enter the water after a chemical spill at a nearby industrial estate on Thursday.
Emergency services rushed to Houston Industrial Estate yesterday after reports of a chemical spill. Roads were closed for more then three hours and police there was no risk to the wider public.
But West Lothian Council today said it has been told by SEPA that the watchdog is currently monitoring the water at the burn, which is located near the industrial estate.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “West Lothian Council have been notified by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) that following the chemical spill incident in Houston Industrial Estate yesterday, they are monitoring the entry of the chemical into Caw Burn.
“Local residents are asked to avoid going into the burn at this time, and dog walkers should avoid letting their dogs enter the burn too.
“The chemical will dilute as it moves down stream, and this advice is issued as a precaution.
“SEPA and Scottish Water will continue to monitor for any issues. The site was made safe and access permitted following the spill.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA first received reports of a pollution incident at a site within Houstoun Industrial Estate in Livingston on the morning of Thursday 26th March.
“SEPA Officers were in attendance on site yesterday to conduct initial investigations and continue to monitor the nearby watercourse for any environmental impacts.”
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