PET(4)-14-12 : Tuesday 16 October 2012

P-04-344 : Freshwater East Public Sewer

Correspondence from Environment Agency to Committee

Freshwater East Update Briefing Note for Petitions Committee Secretariat

The Environment Agency has undertaken two surveys at Freshwater East to ascertain if there is any significant environmental impact of private sewage treatment facilities.

The first survey was conducted in January 2012 and a second survey in June of the same year when property occupancy in Freshwater East was expected to be higher following a two-day bank holiday.

We have presented the results of the surveys to officials in Welsh Government’s Water Branch. The surveys conclude that there is little impact on local water courses. Where impacts have been detected it is believed that these can be addressed through improved management of individual treatment facilities.  The results strongly suggest that, where found, bacteria loadings are from agricultural rather than domestic sources.

A report has been submitted to Welsh Government together with a letter outlining what we believe should be the next steps in the s101a determination process.

We intend to send copies of the survey to elected representatives in the community and known interested parties and then meet with the Community Council in October to explain the survey findings.  We would hope by then to be in a position to also discuss the way forward.