Title: Investigation into the 1999 failure of the European Community bathing waters directive at Beer beach (2001)
Author: S. Hunter
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: EA additional title info: Devon Area internal report July 2001
Abstract:
Beer Beach failed to reach the imperative standard for faecal coliforms (FC) in 1994 and 1999. Guideline bathing water standards have not been achieved in 1992, 93, 95, 97, 98 and 2000. Analysis of historic European Community Bathing Waters Directive (ECBWD) data shows a significant correlation between rainfall and tide with the failures. The data show a correlation between the state of tide and the salinity of the bathing water samples. The samples taken around high water have a higher salinity than the samples around low water. It was also found that samples taken during wet weather showed a trend toward increased FC. Beer Stream is the freshwater input that is associated with Beer Beach, it was first sampled with the bathing water in 1995. Beer stream discharges via a pipe onto the fore shore of Beer Beach, approximately 100m to the west of the sampling line. The Axe Estuary and Beer Head outfall also have potential to impact upon the bathing water quality. Beer Head outfall, which currently discharges untreated sewage, is to be upgraded to receive secondary treatment under Asset Management Plan III; this improvement is due by March 2002. Catchment investigation highlighted contamination in Beer Stream during wet weather. Beer Stream issues on the edge of Bovey Lane bridle path, the path is popular with dog walkers. Run-off from the path mixes with the stream, this run-off was found to be grossly contaminated. Further run-off from agricultural land drains to Beer Stream. Run-off from pig ranching was attributed to the failure in 1999, the pigs were moved following the failure. Run-off was seen during the investigation to be causing surface water flooding on the main road into Beer. Beer combined sewer overflow is located at the fish quay and discharges to Beer Stream, it is not believed to pose a threat to the bathing water. No spills were found during the wet weather surveys.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 2001
Publication Place: Exeter
Subject Keywords: Bathing water; Biodiversity; Rainfall; Bacteria; Discharge (hydrology); Runoff; Coasts; Beaches; Water quality surveys
Geographic Keywords: Beer (Devon); Axe Estuary; East Devon catchment
Extent: 34
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:569
Total file downloads: 71
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