|
This article appeared in SEPA View 12 ~ Summer 2002
Spending sunny days on Scotland's beaches can be marred by poor bathing water quality. But now SEPA is putting more resources into a series of action plans aimed specifically at improving quality in the south west of Scotland. SEPA samples 60 identified bathing waters around Scotland each year to monitor bathing water quality. Results are varied and in 2001, 85% of bathing waters passed the required European standards. The south west of Scotland, however, has had particular problems meeting these standards. Until recently, the finger of blame was always pointed at the sewage disposal system and the discharge of partially treated sewage into our seas. This was backed up by independent research. Huge investment by Scottish Water, previously West of Scotland Water, in the last few years has significantly reduced the impact of sewage on the south west coast.
However, other sources of pollution contribute to the poor water quality, and these have to be dealt with. They are identified as agricultural pollution, existing discharges that perhaps aren't meeting their consent conditions and the impact of urban drainage on sensitive waters.
Taking action
SEPA is tackling the problem by pulling together a team of water quality experts to implement action plans combatting the widespread sources of pollution that threaten south west bathing water quality.
Ayrshire Team Leader, David Wilbraham, explained: "South west Scotland has a particular difficulty in meeting the bacterial standards for bathing waters, due in part to the climatic conditions. Most farmers operate to high standards and make every effort to prevent pollution. However farm drainage is one of the significant contributions, due to the large number of farms in Ayrshire. Adherence to the agricultural code of practice goes a long way towards reducing the polluting potential of agriculture."
He explained that during 2002, SEPA will carry out in-depth investigations into agricultural run-off and how to reduce high levels of bacteria from other organisations.
"We will be paying particular attention to typical farm sources such as middens and slurry storage," continued David. "Although the amount from one farm may be fairly minor, the overall effect throughout a catchment can be significant. Farm effluents such as silage, slurry, contaminated yard areas and other similar sources need to be contained both to avoid pollution and to recycle nutrients back to the land. In most cases we believe that these effluents can be prevented from discharging to watercourses by good housekeeping at little expense. However, the bathing water issue is not going to go away. Polluting drainage must be contained if we are to solve this problem.
"Discharges in urban areas can also be a problem. Rainwater from most houses drains to a nearby burn. If householders accidentally connect a washing machine or bathroom to the rainwater drains, the result is pollution. Although minor, it is another contributing factor and I would expect any householder to take prompt action to arrange for the foul drainage to be connected to the correct drain when the source has been traced," he concluded. |
|
