Just a quick update...

The project to repair the overflow pipeline at Rocky Beach and encase it in concrete, was due for completion by Easter 2016. But the contractors undertaking the work got a bit behind schedule because the weather was really lousy. They stopped for Easter so as not to have Rocky Beach closed for the Easter break and then came back in mid-April to finish it off.

Overall, it seems they have done a very good job, including closing off the unconsented overflow at the top of the slipway, and putting a metal handrail on the slipway itself, as we had requested. There are some tiny snagging jobs where some of the reinforcing bar is exposed, which will be brought to the attention of South West Water to ensure they are rectified.

Looking to the future it will no doubt be good to keep a watchful eye on the pipeline and make sure it gets properly maintained this time and doesn't fall into a state of disrepair. 

So whats next…

 

The public’s response to South West Water’s application has been overwhelming…

The public’s response to South West Water’s application to shorten the pipeline at Trevone was overwhelming. In all there were nearly 200 external responses received, expressing opposition to SWW's proposal. These included Padstow Town Council, Surfers Against Sewage, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and The National Lobster Hatchery to name but a few, as well as lots of named individuals covering a wide range of reasons for their interest - local residents, long-time visitors to Trevone, and owners/operators of local businesses. Amongst these were several with relevant professional expertise, such as medical doctors, engineers of various types, and environmental specialists, whose responses to the consultation questions included comments based on their professional expertise. Overall, the response has been fantastic and we would like to thank everyone for their support in opposing South West Water’s application to shorten the pipeline.

So put simply, what are the key challenges now being faced?…

1. Ensuring that South West Water does not try to shorten the pipeline again.

2. Massively reduce the number of illegal discharges of untreated sewage at Rocky Beach in Trevone. Ideally, to zero.

3. The Trevone sewage pumping station needs to take larger volumes of sewage away when required, to reduce the risk of spills.

 

What can you do...

We will be keeping our eye on the situation to ensure that SWW make arrangements to maintain and inspect the pipeline, and comply with the existing consent, and that the Environment Agency are alert in enforcing the consent conditions.

It's not clear how the next problems will play out, so the best bet would be to keep up to date with all the latest news by viewing www.facebook.com/cleanuptrevonebeach or emailing richard@griffiths00.freeserve.co.uk.