On Air The Morning Show Marc Tyley | 9:30am - Noon

Sewage leak confirmed on Peel beach

Location of hatch leak on Peel beach Groyne

Concerns over bathing water quality

The Manx Utilities Authority has confirmed a leak in the sewage outfall pipe on Peel beach.

Bathing water quality has been downgraded from 'good' to 'poor' as a result, and members of the public are urged to be cautious.

The MUA says it is working with Peel Commissioners, the Department of Environment and other agencies to rectify what it describes as a small leak on an access hatch chamber.

The sewage leak is downstream of the Groyne, below low tide level. 

Bathing water samples have been taken and the authorities say they will monitor the situation, keeping the public informed as to any decision on access to the beach.

The outfall pipe has been in place for decades but 'previous' inspections by CCTV camera and sonar surveys have suggested it is in good condition.

MUA Chairman Alf Cannan says a specialist diving team will not be available to assess the situation until Monday.

In a statement issued this evening (10 Sept), Mr Cannan acknowledged concern over the quality of bathing water at Peel beach.

He went on: "We remain committed to correcting this issue as soon as we possibly can.  In the longer term, the second phase of the Regional Sewage Treatment Strategy will see Peel sewage treated and screened to modern standards.” 

More from Isle of Man News