Swimmers and surfers may not be aware of how much has been released
VAST amounts of untreated sewage are being released into the sea at the Old Harbour, despite council ambitions to turn it into “an area for nature”.
Sewage is also being released into Barry docks where a new marina and waterfront developments are planned.
Untreated waste is released from combined sewer overflows, pictured above, after heavy rain when sewer capacity is exceeded.
In a statement on its website, marine conservation group Surfers Against Sewage said: “It is increasingly concerned that CSOs are being used to regularly dispose of untreated sewage, even during times of low rainfall or none at all.”
Water companies in Wales are required by Natural Resources Wales to install monitors on storm overflows to record the duration of spills.
Welsh Water is the company which owns and operates the sewers in the area.
Data from The Rivers Trust shows that two CSOs shown above released sewage for a combined total of 73 hours in 2020.
The area is becoming increasingly popular with kayakers, paddle-boarders and wild-swimmers, as well as walkers at low tide.
Vale of Glamorgan Council ‘not responsible’ for the issue
The council was asked a question on the issue by a member of the public at a full council meeting on December 6.
A council representative said it was: “Not responsible for the discharge from the combined sewer outfall and this was a matter for Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales, as the permitting body.
“I would therefore respectfully suggest that you contact Welsh Water directly regarding this matter,” said Councillor Peter King, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport.
A Barry resident who did not want to be named said: “There is quite often a pretty bad smell around the Old Harbour.
“I’m disappointed that the council is not willing to take this up with Natural Resources Wales or Welsh Water.”
Vale councillors have previously expressed a desire to return the Old Harbour into an area for nature.
Speaking at a full council meeting on September 20, 2021, Coun King said: “The main focus now for the Old Harbour in Barry is to allow nature to thrive in this area, free from the risks of environmental pollution.”
Data shows that the CSO at Barry Docks released raw sewage for 259 hours in 2020, which is the highest number in the Barry area.
Plans have been made for a new marina, restaurants, bars and houses on the waterfront close by.
But for the equivalent of nearly 11 days in 2020, raw sewage was released into the water at the east end of the docks.
The full list of CSOs in the Barry area can be seen below.
Welsh Water has been approached for comment.
