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04/07/2012
Two Beaches Fail Water Quality Tests
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has revealed that extreme weather caused two of Northern Ireland's beaches to experience a temporary dip in water quality last week.
The Minister said that samples collected at Newcastle and at Waterfoot on Thursday June 28 failed to meet international standards set by the EC Bathing Waters Directive, meaning the waters were contaminated with bacteria that could have caused sickness, sore throats or eye and ear infections in any swimmers.
He blamed the heavy rainfall, which flooded Northern Ireland but also caused "polluting run off from land and discharges from storm drains and sewer overflows".
But Mr Attwood said that repeat samples collected the next day (June 29) were "well within the prescribed limits" and the pollution seems to have moved quickly.
He said: "It is unfortunate that incidents such as this can occur but I am content that this was an isolated incident and due to exceptional circumstances. Nevertheless I have asked Northern Ireland Environment Agency staff to remain vigilant to help reduce the chance of any repeat occurrence."
The EC Bathing Waters Directive identifies 23 parts of Northern Ireland that must meet strict water quality standards.
They are measured 20 times between June 1 and September 1, and results are reported to coastal district councils and can be checked on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency website.
(NE)
The Minister said that samples collected at Newcastle and at Waterfoot on Thursday June 28 failed to meet international standards set by the EC Bathing Waters Directive, meaning the waters were contaminated with bacteria that could have caused sickness, sore throats or eye and ear infections in any swimmers.
He blamed the heavy rainfall, which flooded Northern Ireland but also caused "polluting run off from land and discharges from storm drains and sewer overflows".
But Mr Attwood said that repeat samples collected the next day (June 29) were "well within the prescribed limits" and the pollution seems to have moved quickly.
He said: "It is unfortunate that incidents such as this can occur but I am content that this was an isolated incident and due to exceptional circumstances. Nevertheless I have asked Northern Ireland Environment Agency staff to remain vigilant to help reduce the chance of any repeat occurrence."
The EC Bathing Waters Directive identifies 23 parts of Northern Ireland that must meet strict water quality standards.
They are measured 20 times between June 1 and September 1, and results are reported to coastal district councils and can be checked on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency website.
(NE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
