BRIGHTON GROUP

NEWSLETTER NUMBER 6

AUGUST 1997

PORTOBELLO SPECIAL

As expected, the application to upgrade the Portobello outfall in Telscombe Cliffs was submitted in early August and does not include secondary or ultra violet treatment. It proposes chemically assisted primary treatment (CAP) and the use of the existing 1.8 km long sea outfall. The scheme involves the excavation of the cliff almost back to the A259 and building out onto the beach. The scheme includes space for possible future treatment, which could be ultra violet (uv). '

In its submission, Southern Water claim that the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment

Directive will be met. This is stretching the truth almost until it snaps, as the normal requiremnts requirements are for secondary treatment. They claim the bacteria and viruses will be dispersed by currents. If Southern Water want to build this sub standard treatment plant, they will need to convince the local Environment Agency, which will take the case to the governmnet government which in turn, will take it to the European Commission.
We are committed to fighting them every step of the way

At the same time as submitting an application to the Environment Agency for discharge consent, Southern Water will submit a planning application to East Sussex County Council in early September. Our main arguments against the scheme are:

• the proposal is based on the outdated and discredited minimum standards contained in the 1976 Bathing Water Directive. The revision of that Directive appproved approved by the European Parliament last December is likely to introduce much stricter standards and recognises that viruses are not killed by Southern Water's 'pump and dump treatments
• it ignores bathing at Peacehaven and other water-based recreation like sailing (remember it is near the Marina), surfing, canoeing and windsurfing. The proposed revisions of the Bathing Water Directive will include testing at water-based recreation areas other than designated bathing beaches
• it ignores viruses like Hepatitis A which can live for nearly 80 days in sewage and will still reach Brighton and other designated bathing beaches
• the cost of adding uv is about £1.5m compared to a projected cost of £100m for the scheme as it stands.

If put in now, Southern Water would have to pay for it out of their huge profits. If it is installed in a few years time they will pass the cost on to us water charge payers

What you can do to help: The seven steps to UV heaven

If we're going to get uv, we've got a long hard paddle ahead of us. We need to WHAM (win the hearts and minds) of the public and local and national decision makers. Our strategy reflects this:

1 Enclosed with this newsletter are postcards featuring 'Vic the Virus' who can swim from the Portobello to Brighton in 75 days. Stick a stamp on them and send them off. This will register your objection. Postcards to the Environment Agency should reach them by 25th September. Postcards to East Sussex County Council should be sent after 1st September.

2 Send back completed petition forms to 87 Coleman Street, Brighton BN2 2SQ. Telephone 570261 if you want more forms. These will be presented to the relevant organisations.

3 Write to your MP using the four arguments outlined above. So far they have been very supportive. Southern Water will need the support of Parliament to get their way. The opposition of local MPs is vital for our campaign. Ask them to object to the discharge consent application and planning application.

These are:
Ivor Caplin (Hove)
David Lepper (Brighton Pavilion)
Des Turner (Brighton Kemptown) includes Peacehaven
Norman Baker (Lewes)
Their address is: House of Commons, London SW1A OAA&shyp

4 Write to your local Council Leader using the four arguments outlined above.

These are:

• Steve Bassam , Brighton and Hove Council, Kings House, Grand Avenue, Hove BN3
• Neil Comin , Lewes DC, Lewes House, 32› High Street, Lewes, BN7 2LX.

5. Send some stamps to Brighton SAS as we will be writing loads of letters and sending you posters over the next few months.

6 Volunteer to help organise a demonstration. Ring 570261.

Tell all your friends to support us give this newsletter to them.

Brighton SAS Officers: Andrew Coleman, David Samuel, Peter Larcombe and Richard Hardy'

Address to send correspondence, donations and inside information about Southern Water, the Environment Agency and local Councils!!:

Brighton SAS,

87 Coleman St, Brighton BN2 2SQ.

Tel 01273 570261

Legal Note: These views are not necessarily those of Surfers Against Sewage (but probably are!)


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September 1997