Engineers deal with damage to coastline sewer pipe and seafront after weekend storm damage

A 30-metre section of mains pipeline and rock armour coastal defence, south of the Barry Burn near Carnoustie Golf Links, were washed away during storm conditions, which coincided with high spring tides.

The rising main is operated on Scottish Water’s behalf by Veolia and transports waste water to Hatton Waste Water Treatment Works, between Carnoustie and Arbroath.

A team has been on site to make the area safe and assess the work needed to complete a complex repair. Further severe weather and high spring tides are expected to present significant challenges over the course of the week ahead.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We are working closely with Veolia and their contractor, both to make the immediate area safe and to identify the best option to complete a repair safely in challenging conditions.

“Our aim is to return the sewer network to normal operation as quickly as possible, while ensuring impact on the environment is minimised.”

Scottish Water and Veolia are engaging closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other stakeholders in the local area.

Along the coast, much of Montrose beachfront has also been cordoned off after around three metres of dunes were eroded along the edge of the Medal golf course due to Storm Babet and the weekend’s rough conditions. Part of the town’s promenade also collapsed after being undermined.

On Monday afternoon, contractors were on site to shore up the worst sections but the public have been warned to avoid the area.

An Angus Council spokesperson said: “The road and footpath have been closed on Traill Drive approximately between the beach car park and Coastguard station and are secured with fencing.

“The boardwalk to the beach is also cordoned off.

“Contractors and engineers are currently on site to assess the damage and undertake preventative works.

“However, we would stress that this area is remains very unstable and so we ask the public to please stay away.

“We would also ask that people ensure that their children stay away.”