Latest news about the pollution in Kingsbridge and other matters.
Ref. the recent sewage pollution into the Kingsbridge Basin; the following has been received from South Devon Coast and Landscapes (previously S.Devon AONB). We are also awaiting replies on the subject from the Enviroment Agency and the South Hams Environment Health Dept. via Salcombe Harbour Authority.
“ Currently South West Water (SWW) have reduced combined sewerage capacity along the quay in Kingsbridge due to excess freshwater inputs from an unknown source. We have been working with SWW in our regulatory capacity to ensure they minimise pollution risk from CSO spills to the estuary, as well as to understand the potential flood risk from the reduced capacity for surface and tidal flood water drainage and the likelihood of increased sewer flooding.
The Environment Agency understands that the most urgent issue in Kingsbridge is to resolve the frequent flooding from combined sewers. Sewer flooding is the responsibility of the sewage undertaker which in this case is South West Water (SWW). We have been working in partnership with SWW and Devon County Council to fully understand the contribution of all sources of flooding and appraise possible solutions. We appreciate that the repeated flooding of highways, businesses and amenity areas with foul or combined sewage is significantly impacting local people and needs to be resolved.
While I appreciate this isn’t about the bathing waters per se, you might find this useful: Bathing water classifications and short-term pollution – Creating a better place (blog.gov.uk) ”
So, for the moment, all we can say is that it is probably advisable to treat water and mud in Kingsbridge as potential health hazards.
At our last members’ evening on March 20th. we were addressed by Richard Povall, acting station manager of Prawle Point NCI. His 45 minute account of the history of Coastguard activites since their inception to deter smuggling up to the present day when safety at sea is their main activity was very informative and entertaining. Many questions and comments were made by the members present both during the address and afterwards. It was a very successful evening.
Our next event is on Wednesday April 17th when Tony Bale will talk about learning how to sail a cruising yacht by sailing an Atlantic circuit.
I am advised that the RNLI are having a Marine Jumble Sale on Kingsbridge Quay at the Farmers Market on Saturday April 20th. All profits to the RNLI. To donate your boat jumble email repullan@aol.com
Easter has arrived with gales as it often does when Easter falls in March. Boatwatch patrols start next week, the calendar has been sent to leaders and the full calendar will shortly be posted on the web site.
Stay warm and safe.
Tony Watson