Thanks - very interesting.
Q: How will the retention basin cope with the stinking muck that flows from the industrial estate further up stream? Sometimes to stench of volatiles is eye-crossing and the scum on the surface can be an inch thick.
A: At the moment the dense reed bed near concrete bridge is restricting water flow. I understand that some of these reeds will be cleared. This will result in lower water level at that location, with faster water flow and scum reduction from upstream.
The retention basin will require maintenance for removal of silt and other debris.
Q: Water still going into the new harbour?
A: Yes, the re-routed burn will use the existing culvert which discharges into Nigg Bay.
Q: How will it cope with flooding.
A: Reduced risk of flooding upstream of concrete bridge, due to reed clearance near concrete bridge.
I think they should consider adding a flood control pipe from new retention basin, or from wooden bridge area, direct to the culvert. They could also add a weir at the discharge of main marsh into the re-routed burn.
The flood control pipe would help control maximum water level in the marsh, and the weir could help control minimum level.
Q: Going right up to the edge of the ruin?
A: No, the ruin is outside the development area.
Q: Will we lose the paths on either side of the water treatment works? See so much along there - birds, mammals, amphibians and lots of inverts.
A: The paths on south side of Water Treatment works are outside the development of area,. But the first path on northern side is inside. They will remove trees on either side of this path. This will then provide vehicular access to a new building in triangle field and also car parking and storage space.
There will also be some trees removed along eastern edge of triangle field.
There will be a new bridge and boardwalk near the retention basin, and "improved paths" along the two edges of triangle field towards wooden bridge and railway Bridge.
These answers are based on my understanding of the plans. For definitive answers you could ask ETZ at etzltd.com
I like the proposed Wetland changes but find it hard to believe that there isn't a suitable location elsewhere for the buildings.
Barry