Waterford Council has confirmed it plans to end its longstanding practice of bleaching rivers near some of its most popular beaches. It comes following heavy criticism by environmental groups over concerns of its impact on habitats:
View from the exit point for the stream linking up with a popular beach in Dunmore East. Image: Eoghan Dalton THE CONTROVERSIAL USE of bleach as a method to “disinfect” rivers near some of Waterford’s most popular beaches is to come to an end.
Following queries, the council previously said it was unable to conduct a screening assessing the impact of the bleaching on local habitats in Dunmore East, due to “the fact that the area downstream of the chlorination is largely culverted”, that is, a tunnel-type structure carrying the stream beneath the ground.
It said this took place between 6.00am and 10.00pm at “levels deemed safe for food processing and household use”. The use of the chemical can be controversial, as it is considered harmful to flora and fauna by a number of groups.Wexford County Council called it “extremely toxic for aquatic life” while Cork City Council said its use risked “destroying habitats”.
“The alternative here is to clean the stream up. In the interim we can have an alert system so that when it is polluted you tell people, in real time.”Green Party councillor Jody Power said he met with council chief executive Michael Walsh to discuss the bleaching, where the offer was extended to develop an alternative with Coast Watch.
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