Work continuing to repair damaged sewer pipe near Carnoustie

The section of damaged pipe. The site is still being undermined by tide action, and the public are being advised to avoid the area.

Engineers have been on site since the start of the week to tackle damage to the pipe, south of the Barry Burn.

They are completing work to establish a safe perimeter around the eroded and damaged area and the public are being warned to stay away.

The pipeline and rock armour coastal defence were washed away during storm conditions, which coinciding with high spring tides.

The rising main is operated on Scottish Water’s behalf by Veolia and transports waste water to Hatton Waste Water Treatment Works, located between Carnoustie and Arbroath.

The land surrounding the eroded section remains unstable and is expected to continue to be affected over the coming days by high tides and further adverse weather.

A sheer drop has formed, with the edge continuing to be undermined by wave action during high tides.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Our first focus is on re-establishing a safe and secure environment, including costal protection, so that the pipeline can be repaired, and the sewer network returned to normal operation as quickly as possible, while ensuring impact on the environment is minimised.

“Weather and tide conditions over the coming weeks are expected to continue to present significant challenges. We are working with local contractors to get all the resources that we need ready so that work can begin as soon as it can do so safely.”

“Our early assessments and engagement with contractors indicate that it may be several weeks before remedial works are complete.”

Scottish Water and Veolia are engaging closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other stakeholders in the local area.