帝亚吉欧卡杜蒸馏厂烧碱泄漏 苏格兰环保署立案调查

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is investigating an incident at Diageo’s Cardhu Distillery in which caustic soda entered a tributary of the River Spey. The River Spey is a key habitat for endangered species including Atlantic river salmon and freshwater pearl mussels The incident in which a large quantity of the cleaning agent caustic soda flowed into the Knockando Burn took place in April.

SEPA confirmed to Bloomberg last week that it was investigating “to assess the environmental impacts of the incident and work with relevant parties to ensure any appropriate action is taken to protect and restore the water environment”. A spokesperson for the agency further stated: “SEPA’s investigation into the pollution incident affecting the Knockando Burn remains ongoing.

As this is still a live regulatory investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment on matters relating to the investigation, including evidence gathered. “Once our investigation is complete, we will consider enforcement action appropriate in accordance with SEPA’s Enforcement Policy and Guidance and the legislation available to us.

Where SEPA consider a potential offence meets the criteria for prosecution, we can submit a report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Any decision on prosecution is a matter for COPFS.” As many as 3,000 creatures, including salmon, trout, eels, frogs and various invertebrates, may have died as a result of the spill.

Early reporting also indicates it could take decades for affected wildlife populations to recover due to deep disruption of the local food chain. A spokesperson for Diageo said: “We are working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency following this deeply regrettable incident. We are sincerely sorry for the damage caused to the local environment and the impact on river users and the wider community.

“We have updated controls in place, are continuing to fully engage with SEPA as they carry out their investigation and are in discussions on a long-term plan to support regeneration and restoration in the area.” Distilleries use highly corrosive caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to remove organic residue from mash tuns, washbacks and pot stills.

It is classified as a hazardous chemical under UK and EU regulations and can cause severe burns on contact with human skin. Cardhu Distillery was founded in 1824. Today, it supplies malt whiskies for Diageo’s blended whisky portfolio as well as offering a range of single malts.

SEPA previously fined Diageo £1.2 million (US$1.5m) in 2022 for failing to secure emissions permits for three of its sites in Speyside and the Highlands. Earlier this year, the firm announced that it would cut US$1 billion in costs over the next three years. The Johnnie Walker owner has since reduced its overall staff numbers by more than 6% .