Conservation area of River Camel is safeguarded

The River Camel is a Special Area of Conservation and has a range of ecological conditions combining rugged coastline with long stretches of sandy beaches making it an excellent habitat for fish and otter.

The works is being upgraded as part of the company's National Environment Programme to meet the European Shellfish Directive. Waste Water flows are already treated to a very high standard through primary and secondary treatment. Contaminates are removed and bacteria is reduced using a biological process.

When this nine hundred thousand pound project is complete around the end of April flows will receive an additional level of treatment through ultra violet disinfection. This involves giving the water a final polish by passing it under high powered lamps to reduce any remaining bacteria.

The treated water which looks no different in appearance to clean water is then returned to the environment via the River Camel.

South West Water has also invested a further one million pounds to upgrade the sewer network in Padstow. This work involves installing additional storm water storage tanks which will reduce the frequency of storm overflows into the river.

In times of prolonged heavy rainfall combined sewers which carry both waste and surface water can reach capacity and excess flows pass through the screened overflow to prevent sewer flooding. Additional storage will allow excess flows to be stored and passed on for treatment after the storm has passed.

Reducing the frequency of storm water overflows and treating waste water to an even higher standard ensures no pollution threat is posed to the environment.

"This essential improvement project will help protect the precious ecological conditions of the Camel Estuary," said Jeremy Honeywill, South West Water's Project Leader. "Improved water quality is vitally important for wildlife habitats and environmental conservation".

-ENDS-

For further information please contact Dina Chandler, Communications Officer on 01392 443021.

Published: 20 April 2004