Pollution

We investigate certain types of pollution in Orkney. In some cases, SEPA may be the appropriate authority. The headings below will help you find out who to contact and how to report a concern.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

If a neighbour is causing pollution, speaking to them directly is often the most effective first step. Where we investigate a pollution report, we may ask you to provide a precise location, statements, record sheets or other evidence. Please be aware that reporting a pollution incident does not automatically mean the affected area will be cleaned up.

Air pollution

You can report complaints about air pollution — such as unreasonable bonfires producing black or dark smoke - to our environmental health team. Please include the location, the time, and an indication of what is being burned.

We compile an annual Air Quality Progress Report, which is submitted to the Scottish Government and contains the latest air quality monitoring data for Orkney.

If a fire is dangerously out of control, call the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 999.

Water pollution

Water pollution incidents are generally dealt with by SEPA, who should be contacted in the first instance. If you are concerned that a private drinking water supply has become contaminated, contact our environmental health team.

Land pollution

We are the regulator for potentially contaminated land. For new builds, this will usually be handled through our Planning Development Management team. For existing buildings and historic contamination, our environmental health team may be able to help. Contact our environmental health team.

Noise pollution

We can investigate certain complaints about noise pollution, such as noise from construction sites, loud music and licensed premises. You can report noise pollution to our environmental health team. Where a tenant is responsible for the noise, the matter may be referred to their landlord.

For antisocial behaviour, see our noise and nuisance section.

Noise we cannot generally deal with 

There are some types of noise that fall outside our powers, including:

• Ordinary household noise from a domestic property
• People noise — shouting, children playing, doors banging, general DIY and household activities — unless there is substantial interference or a proven element of malice
• Aircraft (other than model aircraft)
• Road traffic noise
• Noise from a political demonstration or a campaign taking place in the street
• Noise from a vessel (other than a steam-powered vessel)
• Noise that is required by law
• Noise from birds, animals and other wild creatures
• Noise between rooms in a shared property such as a guest house, hotel or house in multiple occupation

• Noise from revellers and general activity in the street

   

Dog fouling

The person in charge of a dog is responsible for picking up after it — including in winter and after dark. Failing to do so is an offence. You can report dog fouling to our environmental health team.

To help any investigation, please provide:

• The location of the offence
• The time it occurred
• The name and address of the person in charge of the dog (if known)
• A description of the dog
• Your name and contact details, and those of any other witnesses

Dog mess on pavements, verges and open spaces should be reported to street cleansing, the relevant council department or the landowner, so they can arrange for the area to be cleaned.

Fly tipping

Fly tipping means illegally dumping waste in an unauthorised place. This is an offence which can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or a report to the Procurator Fiscal. We or SEPA may investigate complaints of fly tipping, depending on the location, nature and quantity of material involved.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Street cleaning 

Some things that look like fly tipping may be a street cleaning matter. You can request street cleaning through the council website.

Other types of pollution

Some types of pollution may amount to a statutory nuisance. See our noise and nuisance section for more information.