The public has been warned to avoid contact with water in the Firth of Forth after a "major" sewage spill.
The public has been warned to avoid contact with water in the Firth of Forth after a "major" spill of more than 100 million litres of sewage.
Pumping equipment at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant in Leith failed at 1630 BST on Friday.
Pumping equipment at the Seafield Wastewater Treatment Plant in Leith failed at 1630 BST on Friday.
A spokeswoman for Thames Water, which runs the plant, said 1,000 litres a second of partially diluted untreated sewage had been pumping into the Forth.
Thames Water, who run the plant, said 1,000 litres a second of partially diluted untreated sewage had been pumping into the Forth.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) said: "It's a major problem requiring a major solution."
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said a major solution is needed.
A spokesman said emergency measures to "minimize the risk of pollution" were being put in place.
A Sepa spokesman said emergency measures to "minimize the risk of pollution" were being put in place.
He added: "Everything that needs to be done is being done."
We urge people to ensure they maintain high standards of personal hygiene and do not take anything home from the beach until sewage has dispersed Ewan AitkenEdinburgh Council leader
We urge people to ensure they maintain high standards of personal hygiene and do not take anything home from the beach until sewage has dispersed Ewan AitkenEdinburgh Council leader
He added: "Everything that needs to be done is being done."
Engineering works were expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Engineering works were expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Thames Water said it had not shut the plant down as it deals with most of the capital's waste - from about 800,000 people.
Thames Water said it had not shut the plant down as it deals with most of the capital's waste - from about 800,000 people.
Spokeswoman Hillary Bennet said: "Sewage is still pumping into the Firth of Forth. We're installing temporary pumping equipment which we expect will prevent further discharges from the pumping station."
Environmental health officers with Edinburgh City Council advised anyone who uses waterfront recreational areas to avoid contact with the water.
Environmental health officers with Edinburgh City Council advised anyone who uses waterfront recreational areas to avoid contact with the water.
It has an infrastructure that is basically Third World technology Rob KirkwoodLeith Links Residents' Association
The council said it was very concerned about the incident.
The council said it was very concerned about the incident.
Council leader Ewan Aitken said: "We urge people to ensure they maintain high standards of personal hygiene and do not take anything home from the beach until sewage has dispersed."
Council leader Ewan Aitken said: "We urge people to ensure they maintain high standards of personal hygiene and do not take anything home from the beach until sewage has dispersed."
The council has put up warning notices along the shore in areas which may potentially be affected to warn residents and visitors.
The council has put up warning notices along the shore in areas which may potentially be affected to warn residents and visitors.
Concerned locals are being advised to contact the environmental health service.
Concerned locals are being advised to contact the environmental health service.
Residents in Leith have been campaigning for years about the smell from the plant and say it is not fit for purpose.
Rob Kirkwood, the chairman of Leith Links Residents' Association, said: "It has an infrastructure that is basically Third World technology."
Are you in the Firth of Forth and have you been affected by the spill? Have you been on the waterfront and can you see the effects of the leak?Please send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Are you in the Firth of Forth and have you been affected by the spill? Have you been on the waterfront and can you see the effects of the leak?Please send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
