PRESS RELEASE

Sewage related debris on UK beaches is still a concern

Surfers Against Sewage are alarmed by the news that sewage related debris still makes up over 6% of the litter found on UK beaches, preceded only by fishing debris and rubbish left by visitors. The results from the latest Beachwatch Report, published by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) suggests that sewage related debris (SRD) is still a serious problem on our beaches, despite heavy investment in sewage treatment infrastructure over the last few years.

The MCS study shows that a total of 8, 321 kg of rubbish was picked up off 194 beaches over a two day period in September. 37.2 % of the total litter found was attributed to beachgoers, 12.2% was fishing derived and 6.7% was sewage related debris. Although overall amounts of litter showed a decrease on the figures for 2000 and previous years, the need to tackle marine litter at source is still very real.

Vicky Garner of SAS said today:

" We've all got to start looking at the part we play in creating the mess we find on some of our beaches. What's so hard about taking litter away at the end of a day at the beach? Why do we need to throw stuff down the loo when we can bag it and bin it? It's clear that there needs to be a concerted effort to tackle this problem from all sides, but it's equally clear that we, the public can't afford to shirk our responsibilities. We all play our part in creating this problem".

"Debris ridden beaches are not only a hazard for wildlife, they degrade quality of life for local residents and do little to promote the local tourist trade. We look forward to clear guidance from Ministers following the North Sea Conference as to how we tackle the issue of marine litter long term, but in the meantime, we urge everyone to do their bit for the marine environment".

By 2005, £8.5 billion will have been spent on sewage treatment and disposal in the UK and the sewage of 14 million people will be fully treated before discharge. However regional discrepancies in sewage treatment levels still exist and with thousands of intermittent discharges that spill a mixture of raw sewage and rainwater into the aquatic environment under storm conditions, sewage pollution is still an issue. The UK water industry, under direction from the Government, must develop a strategy that will tackle this unsatisfactory situation.

ENDS

For further details contact SAS on 01872 553001