City of Cape Town considering new sewage options
The City of Cape Town is looking at the possibility of new sewage treatment measures at its three marine outfalls.
Picture: Ostariyanov/123rf.com
CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town says it is exploring new sewage treatment measures at its three marine outfalls in Camps Bay, Green Point and Hout Bay.
This follows ongoing public outcry about the city's sewage outfalls, particularly in Hout Bay, for releasing more sewage than its permit allows.
ALSO READ:
- Sewage pumped into Cape Town ocean negatively impacting marine life - expert
- CoCT mulls how to deal with millions of litres of raw sewage released into the ocean
The city is now waiting on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment to decide whether the municipality's permit to pump sewage into the ocean will be renewed.
Mayco member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien says they've initiated a public participation process.
"Also parallel to that we have already commissioned a study that is in the final stages of identifying what options are available to us as the city to address the concerns that are being raised."
But environmental expert Professor Leslie Petrik has warned that even if the sewage is treated, it still poses potential health risks to both human and marine life.
"There's a big problem with sewage, whether it's untreated or treated. Not just because of the microbes or nutrients, it's also because of the plethora of modern chemicals we use these days. Marine organisms are unable to deal with the modern chemicals we are disposing."