As you are aware, we have been working on the Afon Eden site for several years due to its SAC and SSSI status with all features being in an unfavorable condition. Thanks to recent funding from the Snowdonia National Park, we have been able to continue our efforts with the community.

On May 1st, we reported the presence of sewage fungus on the Eden around the Dwr Cymru discharge pipe area, which is adjacent to a tributary flowing into the Eden. This was prompted by the team identifying elevated levels of nutrients and concerns reported after a series of on site investigations on May 1st. We reported these issues to the NRW hotline incident line.

Initial reports from NRW indicated no issues with sewage fungus or problems at the tributary's end as it enters the Eden or the discharge pipe. However, further lab tests paid for by NWRT prompted a more detailed investigation with the team finding further issues in the stream and high Ecoli levels at the sewage plant. This led to an investigation by Dwr Cymru and NRW on Monday the 3rd of June at the WwTw. Ultimately leading to the discovery of the collapsed sewage pipe upstream.

After six weeks of continued investigations by NWRT and independent lab analysis This explained the sewage fungus observed in Bronaber stream and the high nutrient levels detected in the Eden by NWRT.

Upon identifying the leak, Dwr Cymru promptly fixed and replaced the collapsed pipe. They completed the necessary works on site today.

Sewage fungus in the stream that flows into the Afon Eden.

Map of site and NWRT noted issues. Also including broken pipe now identified.

The site of the leak identified across the road in a wooded area at the corner of a field. Pictured- the site after new pipes were laid.

Hay Bales in the stream stopping any further pollution incidents from the site activities.

The A470 to the right and the broken sewage pipes in the top left corner.

Additionally, we conducted a site visit with Dwr Cymru and NRW to Bronaber Sewage Works to address our concerns regarding our high E. coli readings from suspected sewage sludge. NRW initially reported low readings for Ecoli ( 2300 units) but after receiving our tests completed new tests from the suspected leak area, and these new results measured 55,000 units of Ecoli per 100ml. While NRW considers this reading within normal ranges and attributes it to agricultural sources, we remain cautious given the very high number, the pin point sample taken and the proximity to the sewage works. Dwr Cymru have suggested that groundwater infiltration might be contributing to the high E. coli levels, also pointing to agricultural sources flowing through their works and not the works itself. The area is primarily sheep with 17 cows on a vast site so NWRT are extremely cautious about this claim.

We are currently still investigating the origin of the liquid. NRW suspects it may be a natural spring, while Dwr Cymru believes it is groundwater entering the site. Samples from the point source showed high E. coli readings and discoloration similar to sludge. We are working to determine whether these particles are related to the sewage works or naturally occurring to rule out any further issues.

Over the past three weeks, we have observed that the filtration tank was not operating, which has been disputed. Dwr Cymru had tankers on site and excavated two trenches into the old sludge bed works but found no issues. On site today the leak had drained. Dwr Cymru attribute this to the trenches they dug and not the drainage tankers.

Our previous reports concerning a broken pipe on site, as noted in a Dŵr Cymru consultancy report from 2017, have been dismissed by Dŵr Cymru as incorrect. The report identified a broken pipe leaking effluent in the same area. However, Dŵr Cymru has clarified that the issue was actually a large concrete tank located higher up on the site, whose walls broke, causing effluent to leak and drain through the site to the same pinpoint in 2017. They have confirmed that there are no old or new pipes in that area and that the tank from 2017 is no longer in operation and has been capped. We have requested the reports to ensure consistency, and in order to rule out any potential leaks. We have requested further investigation of the area near the leak to ensure all potential issues are addressed.

We will keep you updated on our progress.