Diesel Spill Investigation Update
A diesel spill from a disused fuel station near a Perthshire village that contaminated the water supply is no longer considered to have been caused by an attempted theft or vandalism, BBC Scotland understands.
The water supply to households and businesses in Killin was disrupted last month after a spillage from the forecourt at Lix Toll reached the River Dochart and flowed into the River Tay.
Scottish Water flushed out the network and specialist laboratory staff took samples of the water before it was declared safe to use.
Certas Energy, which operates the site, said other possible explanations for the incident had emerged, including work on the forecourt, which had been closed for some time.
Police had initially opened an investigation into an alleged attempted theft, but BBC Scotland understands this is no longer considered to be the cause of the leak.
Environmental and Community Impact
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said it had received several reports of contamination in the river on 19 February and residents reported a strong solvent taste in the water and in the air outside the following day.
Scottish Water temporarily tankered water into the network from elsewhere while work was carried out on the local water network.
Stirling Council said at the time that there was evidence of some contamination in Loch Tay which may have travelled downstream into the River Tay.
All restrictions have since been lifted and customers can use their normal water supply for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth and all other purposes.
Response from Certas Energy
A Certas Energy spokesperson said its team had been deployed immediately and had been "continuously working" with Scottish Water, Sepa and police to address the impact of the incident.
"Initial indications, based on the condition in which the site was found, strongly suggested the incident occurred due to an attempted theft," she said.
"As further information has been gathered, other possible explanations for the incident have emerged, including those relating to the activity of third parties working on site at the time of the incident."
The company has asked for any information about suspicious activity at the site to be shared with the relevant authorities.
Certas Energy has also issued an apology for the "concern and disruption" caused by the incident and set up a compensation fund to support local residents.
"The compensation fund is open to anyone who, in relation to the incident, may have experienced physical damage to property, personal injury, as well as incurred financial loss attributable to these impacts," the company spokesperson said.
"Individuals who believe they have sustained a loss as a result of this incident can contact LixToll@Davies-group.com."
Local businesses can access the fund via their insurers.
Ongoing Investigations
Sepa said it was continuing to investigate the cause of the pollution.
"As this process is still ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment on further at this time," a spokesperson said.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said:
"Inquiries remain ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident.
"We are continuing to support our partner agencies."
