An Aberdeen community which has been plagued by a foul odour for almost 16 years could be heading for a much-longed for reprieve.
Residents first complained of the ‘Torry pong’ after the Nigg Waste Water Treatment Plant opened in 2001.
But the majority of complaints made last month were related to temporary issues – meaning there could be big improvements later this year.
Professor Rob Jackson, an industry expert appointed by Scottish Water to find a solution to the problem, addressed Torry Community Council this week about his recent findings, and said the sources of the majority of complaints could soon be resolved.
He said: “In the month of December there were 12 complaints of odour in Torry.
“Six of these complaints came from the treatment plant, and five of these related to a mobile centrifuge which is a temporary operation while the site is being refurbished.
“Come April when this is done these odours should be gone.
“There were five complaints relating to the sewerage and four of these were traced to a pumping station on South Esplanade East, which is another temporary situation.
“The pump site is one of six being dealt with by Scottish Water in the area, and other sites had to be dealt with to prevent flooding recently.
“It is clear that a majority of complaints are coming from temporary measures.”
Maureen Watt, MSP for Aberdeen South and Deeside and chairwoman of the Torry Odours Stakeholder group, said efforts were ongoing to rid the smell completely.
She said: “I am pleased with the progress being made, as were other people at the last meeting.
“We are continuing stringent efforts to identify and tackle the source of various odours in the Torry community.
“I recommend that people continue to report instances of smells to SEPA.”