Home / Environment / River 'Devoid of Life' After Suspected Sewage Leak
River 'Devoid of Life' After Suspected Sewage Leak
16 May
Summary
- Afon Kenfig river now devoid of fish, invertebrates, and bank-side creatures.
- Sewage leak linked to a temporary pumping station upgrade project.
- A £13m project to replace sewer mains is expected to take two months.
The Afon Kenfig river, located between Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, has reportedly become "devoid of life" following a suspected sewage leak. Residents have observed murky waters and detected a strong sewage odor near the Kenfig Nature Reserve.
Fisherman Stuart Mears stated that the river has suffered for months, with approximately two to three miles of the waterway down to the sea now lifeless. He noted the impact extends to fish, invertebrates, and even creatures along the riverbanks, causing distress to local residents and visitors.
Welsh Water is conducting a significant £13 million project to replace 2.7 miles of deteriorating sewer mains in the area. This work includes the installation of a temporary sewage pumping station and further upgrades to water treatment processes, which are anticipated to take around two months to complete.
Natural Resources Wales has confirmed it is investigating several recent incidents connected to the Marlas Sewage Pumping Station and the wider wastewater network. The environmental agency is collaborating with Welsh Water to ensure necessary improvements are made and is closely monitoring the situation to minimize environmental damage.
