River Impacted by Sewage Leak, Residents Report
A river has been reported as "devoid" of life following what residents claim is a sewage leak near the watercourse.
Images showing murky sections of the Afon Kenfig river, which lies on the border between Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, have circulated online. Additionally, there have been reports of a strong sewage odor in the vicinity.
Welsh Water Sewer Main Replacement Project Underway
Welsh Water stated it is undertaking a project to replace a sewer main in the area and has installed a temporary sewage pumping station. The utility indicated that further upgrades to water treatment facilities are anticipated to take approximately two months to complete.
Natural Resources Wales Investigates Incidents
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed it is "aware and investigating" recent incidents related to the sewage pumping station and wastewater network in the region.
Local Reports of Sewage Deposits and Odor
Residents have reported grey sewage deposits and a pronounced smell of sewage near the river, close to the Kenfig Nature Reserve.
Fisherman Describes Environmental Damage
Fisherman Stuart Mears expressed his belief that sewage has been entering the river for several months, resulting in significant ecological damage.
"The river is now devoid of life. All the fish and invertebrates have died from the pumping station downwards and a lot of the bank-side creatures have left the area as well," he said.
"This has affected around two to three miles of the river down to the sea. Local people are up in arms about it because those who use the reserve can't go near the river now."
Concerns Raised About Wildlife Impact
Elaine Winstanley, a local councillor, voiced concerns regarding the effect on local wildlife species.
"This is an area where you've got kingfishers, you've got herons… you've got lots of fish, and all of those are at risk," she said.
Environmental Charity Labels Incident Among Worst Seen
The local environmental charity, A Peace for Nature, described the event as one of the worst sewage pollution incidents it has encountered.
Welsh Water Details £13m Sewer Main Replacement
Welsh Water explained it is executing a £13 million project to replace 2.7 miles (4.5 km) of sewer mains in the area following the "escalated deterioration" of the existing main. The company issued an apology for the impact caused by the work.
A spokesperson added:
"We have installed a full wastewater treatment process at Marlas Sewage Pumping Station, marking a significant improvement on previous arrangements of using tankers to remove waste.
We are continuing to closely monitor performance and are assessing the impact of the new treatment process on a daily basis."
Welsh Water noted that laying additional sections of pipe on land owned by multiple owners has been "taking some time," and they anticipate the project will take around two months to complete.
Natural Resources Wales Collaboration and Monitoring
Natural Resources Wales reiterated it is "aware and investigating" several recent incidents linked to the Marlas sewage pumping station and wastewater network in the Kenfig area of Bridgend.
The agency is collaborating with Welsh Water to implement necessary improvements to their infrastructure.
"We will continue to regulate the site closely and monitor the situation to ensure impacts on the river and the wider environment are minimised," it added.
Additional reporting by Danielle Herbert
