Investigation into 'foul play' after gravel taken from River Clyde near Lamington in South Lanarkshire
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said gravel was taken last summer and again in April this year. Investigators found visible tyre tracks from "large vehicles" at the scene.
Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:30, UK
The unauthorised excavation of a large amount of gravel from the River Clyde has sparked an investigation by Scotland's environmental watchdog.
A section of the river near Lamington in South Lanarkshire had stones removed without permission last summer. A stretch near the same location was then targeted in April.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said the two incidents - spanning a distance of around 500m - are not believed to be connected.
However, such action could affect fish spawning, alter the course of the river and increase flood risk.
Investigators found visible tyre tracks from "large vehicles" at the scene.
A SEPA spokesperson said: "Regarding both incidents, the work is likely to have taken place across a number of weeks and we're confident someone in the local area would have seen it happening.
"They may have noticed large diggers or other heavy machinery, but perhaps did not suspect any foul play.
"We would strongly encourage those people to get in touch so we can hold whoever is responsible to account and hopefully prevent this from happening again."
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It is an offence under Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 to carry out engineering activities without the appropriate authorisation.
Any individual or business found to have done so could be prosecuted and face a penalty of up to £40,000.