Environmental incidents: SEISS reports

The Scottish Environmental Incident Surveillance System (SEISS) recorded the following incidents in the past week: 

• On 16 January 2022, BBC News reported that a hotel in Edinburgh was evacuated while investigations into a mysterious smell were carried out. Two fire engines and Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) were sent to St Andrew Square on the afternoon of 15 January 2022, following reports of a suspected gas leak. However, SGN later reported that no gas leak had been found and the fire service left the location later that evening. 
• On 17 January 2022, BBC News reported an incident of pollution in the River Esk at Musselburgh, after a countryside ranger spotted an unusual residue that appeared to be discharging into the river. Specialist officers from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) identified a manhole filled with an as yet unknown material leading to a watercourse as the likely source of the discharge. Absorbent pillows were put in place by East Lothian Council in order to protect the river, and local residents were warned that the pollution discharge gave off an odour that could linger. SEPA and East Lothian Council are arranging for a contractor to remove the polluted material, while its joint investigation into the cause continues.

More detailed information can be found on the SEISS website.