Anglers call for probe into ‘pipe discharge’

THERE were calls yesterday for an investigation into the source of a cloudy discharge which, was reportedly seen pouring from a pipe near a large sewage treatment plant into a top salmon and trout river.

Anglers said the authorities must state publicly whether a brown liquid, seen spewing on a number of occasions from a pipe close to Bandon’s water treatment plant, posed a danger to drinking water supplies or fish life.

The pipe is one of two located on the bank of the Bandon river close to the treatment plant located on the outskirts of the West Cork gateway town.

A second pipe, further downstream, discharges treated water from the plant into the river.

But sources, who declined to be named, said they believe the pipe from which the discharge flows was also linked to the plant.

They said they have serious concerns about the content of the fluid and its possible impact on the river.

The discharge occurs periodically and usually happens when large tankers are delivering material to the plant for treatment, sources said.

But Cork County Council said there was no need for concern.

A spokesman said the tankers deliver leachate — rain water which has run off and which has been collected from a landfill in Schull — for treatment.

A spokesman said the operation was fully licensed and that the treatment plant was operating well within its capacity. But he said council officials would investigate the matter.

The spokesman also gave assurances that the outflow from the plant was fully tested by a range of agencies, including the county council.