Dunnet Bay sewage plans raise fears
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The accusation was made by Caithness resident Jules Bowman, who has objected to the proposed change.
He is unhappy about plans to raise the permissible bacteria count by a factor of 35 and is concerned about the impact that could have on Dunnet Bay which he describes as “an important recreational area for locals as well as tourists”.
Mr Bowman, an offshore worker who lives at Berriedale, is a keen fisherman and swimmer and spends a lot of time at Dunnet.
He often gathers fish and mussels while snorkelling at the north end of the bay.
“I have had to take avoiding action on occasion when swimming near the outfall. I accept that sewage treatment cannot be 100 per cent effective, but I would like to think that it is at as high a standard as can be practicably achieved,” he said.
“I can see that there have been some high coliform bacteria levels, particularly during wet weather when the sewage is overloaded with drainage water.”
Mr Bowman claimed there appears to be “a lack of transparency” over Scottish Water’s plans. He pointed out a notice appeared in the John O’Groat Journal on March 30 but did not make clear what is being proposed.
If approved, the microbiological standards could be varied from 100 faecal coliforms per 100ml to 3500 and from 1000 to 35,000.
“The word sewage is studiously avoided, while the waste water treatment works is reduced to ‘WWTW’ and no explanation whatsoever of the technical language is given,” said Mr Bowman.
“I object to the application on the grounds that neither the advert in the local press, nor the material at SEPA’s website, give me any clear understanding of why bacterial standards should be lowered.
“Sewage discharged to sea should be treated to the best practicable standard, rather than restricted to the lowest possible level believed to comply with regulations, and standards should not be varied downwards for the convenience of the service provider.
“The impression I have gained is that Scottish Water has been struggling to meet the standards imposed. An assessment has been made which suggests that the discharge is not close enough to affect the bathing zone after all. But the modelling which was carried out by a consultancy takes no account of actual current in the bay.”
Mr Bowman also argued that advertising should be in “plain English, with explanations sufficient for the public”.
He is worried the 28-day notice concludes today. “Unless there has been public consultation at Dunnet, which I am unaware of, then I would say that no meaningful communication has been made to local people,” stated Mr Bowman.
“This is a public matter, it should be fully explained to the public and no-one should be able to get away with cryptic wording in a public notice.”
A Scottish Water spokesman said: “Our priority is always to protect the natural environment and to ensure bathing waters are safeguarded. We are not changing anything on site – the works will continue to operate as in previous years.”
He pointed out the waste water treatment works at Dunnet were upgraded two years ago to ensure the bathing water meets EU standards.
“In agreement with SEPA, last year we did modelling on the impact of our discharge from the works following a period of sampling at the outfall point and at the bathing water. Modelling showed there is room for a relaxation of the standards, without compromising the quality of the receiving water.
“These are the standards that have been advertised,” said the spokesman, who pointed out anyone with questions regarding the works can call the customer helpline on 0845 601 8855.
A SEPA spokeswoman added: “Dunnet Bay has achieved excellent standard for the last two bathing water seasons, and the change would only be permitted if we are satisfied that altering the limit would not result in a failure of bathing water standards.”
