Pits of concern at Kincraig estate
Concerns over new sewage pits which appeared in a popular Badenoch woodland have been allayed, although the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has said it is continuing to investigate.
Walkers who use the track through the woods near Alvie Estate’s Dalraddy Holiday Park near Kincraig had raised the alert after trees were felled and two big holes were dug by the Badenoch Way.
One caller told the “Strathy”: “We watched the JCB pouring what was evidently human waste into the big pits and wondered what on earth was going on. It didn’t look at all healthy and seemed a bit too close to a public track for comfort.”
The laird at Alvie Estate, Jamie Williamson, explained: “A few weeks ago the Alvie House septic tank soakaway blocked - probably the result of visitors flushing through too many wet wipes, that don’t degrade, or nappies. This coincided with heavy rain and snow.
“To sort the problem we relocated the effluent into two holes in an isolated woodland area away from any habitation and watercourse so that we could dig up and clean out the soakaway.
“We have been in communication with SEPA who have confirmed that there is no significant risk.”
A spokesperson at the environment agency said on Tuesday: “SEPA received a complaint from a member of the public on April 20 regarding the presence of a pit containing sewage within a wooded area near Dalraddy.
“We have identified that, as there is no nearby watercourse, it is unlikely that there would be an impact on the water environment as a result of the sewage, however investigations are still ongoing.
“We would like to remind members of the public to contact our Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 to report any potential pollution events.”
