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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:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
