Nature group steps up campaign against sewage discharges – by MARCUS STEAD:
CAMPAIGNERS from Barry Action for Nature gathered on the Old Harbour beach on Saturday, 24 September, to campaign against sewage being discharged into the seas and beaches around Barry.
The event was part of the UK-wide Great Big Green Week, which took place between 24 September and 2 October and was organised by the Climate Coalition charity.
In March, campaigners expressed concerns that the overflow pipes used after heavy rain were sending waste into the Old Harbour untreated, and that the system that takes the majority of sewage into the channel may be washed back with the tides.
At the time, Natural Resources Wales confirmed that the Old Harbour and Watch House Bay are not designated bathing areas, meaning the water is not monitored by the body, and that they issue permits for storm overflows which require water companies to ensure they only discharge within the parameters set in the permit.
In Barry, Cold Knapp, Whitmore Bay and Jackson’s Bay are designated as bathing waters and the water quality at these beaches is currently classified as excellent, good and sufficient respectively.
During 2020, raw sewage was dumped into Welsh rivers more than 100,000 times for almost 900,000 hours across more than 2,000 water treatment works and sewer overflows in the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water network.
Campaigners gathered on the Old Harbour beach at 1.30pm on 24 September and formed themselves into the letters SOS to represent ‘Save Our Seas’ as they called on the Welsh Government and water companies to cease the discharge of sewerage into rivers and seas.
Chairman of Barry Action for Nature Robert Curtis said: “The Old Harbour has recently been a refuge to growing numbers of curlew, shelduck, oyster catchers along with other rare waders.
“Add to this the fact that Watch House Bay is also increasingly being used by cold water swimmers, paddle boarders and canoeists, and as our new poster says, “Why should the likes of you and me have to swim in poo and wee?”
Following the protest on the beach, the group took part in a litter pick in the area.
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 06.10.22. Read it in print first!
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
