THE Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been called to investigate a "toxic" Glasgow burn that was pictured glowing luminous yellow last week.
An officer has been deployed to the site to examine levels of chromium contamination in Polmadie Burn, which flows through Richmond Park and into the Clyde on the South.
It comes after pictures emerged of the river glowing bright yellow on Friday afternoon.
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A spokesman for SEPA said: “SEPA is aware of discolouration in the Polmadie Burn and has deployed an officer to the site.
“We are confident that this is a result of the legacy of chromium contamination in the burn, an issue which is the subject of significant work and investment to address.
"Anyone concerned about potential pollution incidents should contact us via our 24-hour online form at www.sepa.org.uk/report.”
Dangerous levels of hexavalent chromium - a chemical that has been linked to cancer - have been identified in the river in recent years, with locals revealing that they do not feel safe in the area.
In 2019, one resident said: “I walk my dog near that burn every day. I saw the water had flooded over on to the path, are you going to test the soil for chromium?
“You said there is no danger for chromium getting air-born unless the water is evaporated.
“I have pictures here which show the water has evaporated and the soil underneath is white.
“The city council have done nothing about this.”
Clyde Gateway, who are undertaking remedial works to address the polluted burn, previously warned politicians that contaminated land nearby the river posed an immediate risk to human health.
A spokesman for the regeneration company said: "Clyde Gateway continues to work in partnership with key stakeholders to address the contamination issues at the Polmadie Burn.
"The remediation strategy for the wider area is also continuing.”
READ MORE: Glasgow burn flowing into River Clyde glows yellow with 'toxic' chemical
In the meantime, Glasgow City Council bosses have warned the public to stay away from the burn.
A spokesman said: “Work led by Clyde Gateway to address the historic pollution created by the former chemical works operated by JJ White is ongoing.
“Our advice is for people to stay away from the burn at this time for their own safety.
“Chromium VI is only considered to be harmful if it is consumed or it comes into contact with the skin.”
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