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10 Dec: Environmental incident at Sapphire Paper Mill in Glenrothes

Date published: 10 December 2024

Environmental incident

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) supported a multi-agency response to a fire at an industrial premises on Glenwood Road in Leslie near Glenrothes, Fife.

Ashley Clunie, Environmental Performance Manager at SEPA, said:

"On Tuesday 10 December at 07:29, SEPA were notified of a fire at Sapphire Paper Mill on Glenwood Road in Leslie near Glenrothes, Fife.

"SEPA officers are in attendance, supporting a multi-agency response. We are engaging with the site operator and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) and will continue to monitor the situation and respond as required.

"We have received reports from members of the public that the nearby River Leven is running purple. This is due to dyes from the paper mill running into the water course. Our officers will take samples from the river to assess any potential impact to the water environment. If necessary, we will discuss pollution mitigation measures to implement when safe to do so.

"Residents in the surrounding area are advised to follow SFRS advice to keep all windows and doors closed. The public is urged to avoid the area if possible.

"Members of the public can report potential pollution incidents to SEPA online."

Update: 13 December

Ashley Clunie, Environmental Performance Manager at SEPA, said:

"SEPA officers supported a multi-agency response to a fire at Sapphire Paper Mill in Leslie near Glenrothes, which started on 10 December. We will continue to liaise with the site operator as they take steps to ensure they can safely resume operations.

"Following reports that non-toxic dyes from the paper mill had run into the nearby River Leven, our officers took samples to assess any potential impact to the water environment.  

"A SEPA officer visited the site again on 11 December and confirmed the discolouration was no longer visible. No impact to the water environment has been recorded and we have found no evidence of fish being harmed.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public who reported this to us. Anyone with concerns about a potential pollution incident can submit a report to SEPA online or via the Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60."