SEPA officers are investigating a pollution event on the Burn of Carron after reports of white discolouration, a turpentine-like odour and dead fish; the burn and the River Spey are now clear while assessments continue
The following report summarises a recent environmental event affecting the Burn of Carron close to Aberlour. The incident was first reported on Tuesday 14th April and the situation was updated through to Friday 17th April. After initial detections of white discolouration and a turpentine-like odour, SEPA officers have undertaken site visits and ongoing monitoring.
As of Friday 17th April, officers confirmed that both the Burn of Carron and the River Spey were running clear, though work to assess ecological impacts continues.
What happened and where
Reports began when members of the public observed a visible change in the burn’s water on Tuesday 14th April, describing a white discolouration accompanied by a noticeable turpentine-like odour.
Initial enquiries traced the likely origin to a layby alongside the A95. Later that same day and into the evening further information was shared by the Spey Fishery Board, who reported evidence of dead fish and tracked the issue to the same location.
These early observations indicated that the pollution had immediate impacts on aquatic life in parts of the Burn of Carron.
Response and ongoing actions
SEPA mobilised officers to the area quickly and carried out repeated inspections and sampling as part of their response. On Wednesday 15th April officers attended the suspected source site and found that the water in the burn was running clear at that time. Despite this improvement, teams continued monitoring to identify any residual contamination and to confirm whether the River Spey had been affected. Partners involved in the response include NatureScot and the Spey Fishery Board, who are helping to evaluate potential ecological consequences.
Investigation timeline and findings
Initial fieldwork recorded the contamination signs on Tuesday 14th April. On Wednesday 15th April the immediate discolouration had cleared in the burn at the time of inspection. A further update on Thursday 16th April documented the sequence of events: SEPA had first received the public report on the afternoon of Tuesday 14th April, confirmed the water impact and the odour, and traced the origin to the layby by the A95. Later that evening the Spey Fishery Board reported more serious impacts including multiple dead fish, which they also traced to the same location.
Environmental assessment and partner work
Although the visible discolouration had cleared when officers revisited the site on Wednesday 15th April, investigations remain active to understand any lingering ecological effects. SEPA is coordinating assessments with NatureScot and the Spey Fishery Board to evaluate impacts on aquatic organisms and habitat quality. The investigation includes chemical analysis of water samples, surveys of fish mortality, and checks for any ongoing sources of pollution at the identified layby site by the A95.
How the public can help and next steps
SEPA wishes to thank members of the public for their reports and for remaining vigilant. Anyone with information that could assist the inquiry is urged to get in touch promptly. You can contact SEPA by calling 0800 80 70 60 or by submitting details online at www.sepa.org.uk/report. Authorities are asking for any photos, times, vehicle descriptions or other observations from Tuesday 14th April onwards that may support the investigation.
Further updates
Officers remain in the area while assessments continue and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The collaborative work between SEPA, NatureScot and the Spey Fishery Board aims to determine the full extent of environmental harm and to help restore the affected stretch of the Burn of Carron and the River Spey. Meanwhile, the public is asked to report any suspicious activity or signs of contamination without delay.
