Sewage Spill Sparks Call for Drain Inquiry

Llanelli residents are demanding a full public inquiry into the poor state of the town’s drains.

A petition has been launched demanding action.

Last week, the main sewer pipe in Pwll, Llanelli, burst twice, spilling sewage across the streets.

At a public meeting held in Llanelli on Friday night, cockle gatherers, residents and members of Carmarthenshire Fishermens Federation voiced their concerns.

Cockle gatherer Robert Griffiths said he had concerns for the cockle industry following the reports last week that 6,000 tonnes of cockles had died, although local experts have played down pollution as the cause.

Mr Griffiths said: “It’s not just the cockles we are worried about.

“It has got to the point where I will not take my children to the beach anymore.

“Whatever is killing the cockles could kill somebody – I won’t even walk my dog there.”

Llanelli MP Nia Griffith (pictured) has thrown her weight behind the petition.

She said: “I fully support this appeal for a public inquiry.

“This problem will have a tremendous impact on tourism in the area. If nobody wants to go the beach anymore then it is a serious problem.

“I will work with residents to make sure that we can work towards a possible solution – but it needs to be done properly, through the correct statutory bodies.”

Carmarthen’s popular river festival was cancelled at the 11th hour this year after raw sewage was discharged into the River Towy.

Heavy rain meant the storm water overflow at the Pothouse Wharf pumping station released water and sewage into the river.

The problem may have also put a stop to plans for 350 houses in Bynea.

A development proposal for the land spanning the junction of Pendderi and Genwen was deferred by county planners after the Assembly requested an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Environment Agency Wales is asking for answers to the Pwll incidents.

An agency spokesman said: “The agency was alerted by a member of the public who was on the cycle path near the estuary.

“Officers have taken samples and our investigation is continuing into the cause of the incident.

“As part of this investigation, we will require Welsh Water to provide a full report on what caused the sewer to burst.”

A Welsh Water spokesman said: “These matters are unrelated.

“The Pwll incident occurred as a result of a blockage, which has been resolved.

“A programme of work is currently ongoing in Llanelli, which has been well publicised.

“We have carried out an investigation into the performance of the Pothouse Wharf pumping station and confirm that it is operating within its consent from the Environment Agency.

“We are taking a number of measures that should improve its performance.

“The cause of cockle mortalities is unknown and is the focus of an ongoing scientific study. Therefore, speculation on the cause is totally unproven.”

(c) 2008 South Wales Evening Post. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.