Water Quality for Tully races August 2021

General slalom chatter...rant about the bad, rave about the good
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PeterC
Posts: 236
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 12:14 am
Location: Fife Scotland

Water Quality for Tully races August 2021

Post by PeterC » Tue Aug 10, 2021 12:31 pm

Statement in respect of sewage release and River Tay at Grandtully

As many are aware there has been a recent issue with sewage which has affected the river at the rapids. This has come from the systems at the Grandtully Hotel and NOT the Inn on the Tay who were also affected with sewage in their car park.

The issues have as far as we are aware been resolved, at least on a temporary basis, pending further review, although there is still some septic tank overflow into the main river flow as is allowed in Scotland at the present time.

There has been much discussion with SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) and Perth and Kinross Council, both unfortunately feel it is the main responsibility of the other. There has unfortunately however been no sampling of the area for any concerning contaminants and neither have provided any advice as to safety or otherwise.

When the river is in full flow dilution is likely to resolve any issues and we have had significant rain and river flow since the incident. There have also been periods of sunshine and again the UV can be expected to have had effect dramatically reducing any contamination.

After consideration and discussion with an independent Public Health Consultant it has been concluded there is no reason to limit or cancel future planned paddlesports activity in the area particularly the various slalom races planned in August as a result of this issue.

We would though ask all to be particularly careful about hygiene and in particular to wash and clean hands after time in or by the river before eating.

Thanks are also due to the SCA for their active involvement in pursuing resolution of the issues.

Peter Curry
Safety & Competition Management BC Slalom Committee
10th August 2021

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