Experts investigating tonnes of rubble that collapsed into the White Cart River from a building site have confirmed no pollution has been caused by the incident.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency launched a probe into the collapse of the land earmarked for a 261-space car park in Paisley's Inchinnan Road after it was discovered the site had collapsed into the water.
Residents raised flooding concerns regarding the tonnes of rubble - which appeared to stretch 100m - as they feared it could cause issues with rising water levels due to the area of the river being tidal.
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However, investigators from SEPA have now returned to the site, which is owned by Grange Limited, and confirmed contact has been made with the company to ensure the mass of rubble is cleared.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA officers carried out a further inspection to the site at Inchinnan Road, Paisley, on Thursday, July 1 to examine the exact nature and provenance of any material still in situ in the White Cart Water.
“We do not consider there to be an ongoing or current pollution incident at the location. While these investigations are still ongoing, SEPA made direct contact with the site operators on July 5 to ensure the site has been made safe and pollution doesn’t enter the water environment. SEPA is monitoring the situation.
“We are working with Renfrewshire Council and will continue our work to protect the water environment.”
According to plans submitted to Renfrewshire Council, Grange Limited is constructing a “long-stay car park with associated kiosk, access, landscaping and infrastructure”.
When completed, the site will provide 261 parking spaces, of which seven spaces will be for motorcycles and six spaces will be for electric car-charging.
However, while SEPA has confirmed there are no environmental concerns surrounding the site, concerns remain surrounding the viability of the land for a car parking facility following the incident.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren previously told the Express: “There is serious concern over how this happened. Was there no inspection of the land to make sure it was suitable for this new car park?
“This should be rectified as quickly as possible.”
