‘Highly irresponsible’ fly-tippers dump huge pile of waste at Midlothian water treatment works as Scottish Water appeal over vandalism and littering near reservoirs

Scottish Water is appealing to people to respect their local environment after a fly-tipping incident at a water treatment works in Midlothian.

Two vans drove to Glencorse Water Treatment Works (WTW) near Penicuik last Tuesday and, in broad daylight, tipped a large amount of material including plaster board, insulation and timber on the access road.

The incident, which appeared to have been planned, took just a few seconds but will cost Scottish Water and its customers thousands of pounds to clear up.

The vehicles involved were open-backed transit van-type vehicles - one white and one yellow.

Flytipping at the Glencorse water treatment works access road. Pic: Scottish Water

Members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, know anything about it, or witness any similar suspicious activity, are urged to contact the authorities or to report the matter via Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111.

Scott Fraser, Scottish Water’s corporate affair manager in the east, said the rubbish dumped looked like material from a house renovation or something similar.

He said: “It was quite shocking and is totally inexcusable as everyone knows that such material should be disposed of safely at a proper recycling centre.

“We have had incidents like this before and the removal of a smaller quantity of waste at another of our facilities cost more than £1,200.

A huge pile of waste was dumped. Pic: Scottish Water

“The materials also restricted the width of the road and could have been an obstruction of Scottish Water vehicles getting to and from the WTW.

“It is highly irresponsible and we would urge people not to do this and to respect the environment, including sites like WTWs, reservoirs and other public amenities.”

Scottish Water is supporting VisitScotland’s sustainable tourism campaign and is asking reservoir visitors to respect, protect and enjoy these beauty spots.

Anti-social behaviour was reported last summer at reservoirs in different parts of Scotland, including Gladhouse and Clubbiedean near Edinburgh.

Incidents of vandalism to property included damage to trees, fires being lit and left unattended, littering, tents discarded, human waste left and vehicles parked inconsiderately and dangerously.

Visitors should follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The code’s key principles include respecting the interests of other people, caring for the environment and taking responsibility for your own actions.

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