Welsh Environment Agency officers spent this week battling the sewage mains burst at Kinmel Bay – an area which draws outdoor enthusiasts seeking a break in the pristine Welsh countryside.

David Powell, Environment Agency Wales’ environment management team leader, said: “The rising main has now been repaired by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and the Kinmel Bay Sewage Treatment Works has been returned to normal operation.

“There are currently no signs of any sewage on the beach. However we have taken samples to identify whether there is any impact on water quality and whether any further action will need to be taken.

“We will continue to monitor the situation. A full investigation will now be carried out to identify the cause of the burst main and to prevent this from happening again.”

The area, in the shadow of Snowdonia, is popular for its variety of water sports available along the coastline and nearby river estuaries.

But its clean, green image took a hit when a pipe at Kinmel Bay Sewage Treatment Works transporting raw effluent to Pensarn Pumping Station burst causing sewage to back up.

Environment Agency Wales experts were called to Pensarn Pumping Station after Dwr Cymru Welsh Water raised the alarm.

An incident room was opened to deal with the situation and officers despatched to Pensarn to help find any discharge and identify any impact on the local environment.

The Agency is liaising with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Conwy County Borough Council about the spill.

David Gibbs

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