Newquay update - 19 October 2018

19th October 2018

Work is progressing well to repair the burst sewer on the cliff top near Esplanade Road in Newquay.

A five-metre section of damaged pipe, seven metres below ground level, will be removed and replaced over the weekend. The replacement pipe and fittings are being delivered today while we make the trench larger and safe for our staff to work.

We estimate that the repair will be complete early next week.

Tankers are being used to remove as much wastewater from the system as possible while the repair is under way but the emergency overflow from Yellow Sands Pumping Station is operating due to the volume of wastewater (both sewage and surface water) being received. This discharges via an outfall to the sea near Lewennick Cove.

Lewennick Cove is over 600m from the bathing waters and the outfall location helps protect water quality at South and North Fistral beaches. While bathing water quality is not routinely monitored outside of the bathing season, sampling has confirmed there is no significant risk to bathing water quality.

Precautionary signage is being maintained to ensure the public are kept updated. The Environment Agency and Cornwall Council are being kept informed.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Background

The pressurised sewer from Yellow Sands Pumping Station in Newquay burst on Tuesday 16 October, which temporarily caused sewage flooding near South Fistral beach. South West Water attended promptly and stopped the flooding the same day.

Staff have been on site since Tuesday, pinpointing the burst, digging down to the damaged section of pipe and planning this complex repair.