Scottish Water will be carrying out survey work in the Firth of Forth which will be visible from Portobello waterfront area. This is allow us to identify ways to help improve the water quality at Portobello beaches (West and Central) and Fisherrow.
From Monday (August 6) an 18-metre high and 18-wide, floating platform will be on the Firth of Forth approximately one kilometre from the Portobello shoreline.
An eight-strong team of specialist engineers will carry out tests and investigations in the area to help inform options to improve bathing water quality. The team will be carrying out ground investigation works including drilling boreholes into the sea bed.
The 215-tonne platform is due to be on site for around five weeks. Staff will be transported to and from the site in a support vessel. The team will work during the week and at weekends between 8am and 6pm.
Portobello West and Fisherrow both received poor bathing water quality classifications from SEPA this year and Scottish Water is working with a number of agencies to look at ways to tackle this. This essential site investigation work will help us determine the best option to help improve the bathing water quality at Portobello and Fisherrow.
We appreciate Portobello Beach is a hugely popular area, especially during the summer months. This work is being carried out at this time as the sea condition is likely to be the most favourable for the essential tests we need to carry out ahead of any investment.
Bathing water quality is impacted by a number factors and Scottish Water are working closely alongside a range of organisations, including SEPA , City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Keep Scotland Beautiful, to engage the public on ways they can help improve beaches and coastal waters.
Once the investigation work is complete we will need to allow time for in-depth analysis of the investigation work and for the procurement of a contractor to deliver this project. We will ensure people in the area, including residents, businesses and visitors, are kept fully informed and updated on any work we are due to carry out.
We have issued information to the local media today regarding this, to help inform the wider public who might see us working if they visit Portobello waterfront over the next 5 weeks. Please feel free to share this information for the community to help us keep people informed and aware.
Kind regards
Scott Fraser
Corporate Affairs Regional Manager