Concerns Raised Over Potential Sewage Leaks Threatening Afon Eden

Aerial view of Bronaber sewage works

The North Wales Rivers Trust (NWRT) recently embarked on investigations along the Eden River in collaboration with the local community to protect this important SAC and SSSI, uncovering alarming findings that pose a significant threat to the ecosystem.

During their surveys, the team encountered a proliferation of what appeared to be a leaking pipe at the works along the perimeter fence and recorded elevated levels of ammonia, nutrients and sewage fungus within the main river stem, and the tributaries draining into the Eden. We believe this is contributing to the aggressive plant growth that has begun to choke the river in the summer months, endangering its wildlife.

The Eden River holds special significance as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its importance for freshwater pearl mussels, otters, floating plantain, and other rare species. However, the presence of potential effluent with excessive nutrient levels jeopardises this delicate ecosystem.

Further investigations led the NWRT team from the sewage fungus in the suspected discharge pipe area to approximately 1 kilometre upstream to the Bronaber sewage works. We discovered what appears to be a potential leaking sludge pipe, forming its own channel that eventually feeds into another tributary of the Eden. The sewage works is not far from the Holiday village which has just under 360-400 buildings attached to the mains system.

Upon discovering this environmental hazard, the NWRT promptly notified Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to take action via the hotline. We will keep you informed of the progress and try and get the leak stopped.

**** Update:

Since our previous communication with NRW, who confirmed that Dŵr Cymru had found no issues, no sewage fungus or sludge at either locations. NRW are claiming the same. After NWRT queries regarding scientific tests to ascertain fungus and sludge we have been informed that Dŵr Cymru has now taken samples for analysis and will be deploying cameras on site this coming Monday, 13th May. NRW has confirmed that they will also visit the site next week after Dŵr Cymru completes their own investigations.

22/05/24: NWRT is disappointed that we have not received any official lab results from NRW or Dŵr Cymru regarding the leak. Both are continuing to claim the site is clear both on the tributary/ discharge area entering the river and the sewage works. We have now sent our own samples (pictured below) to an accredited lab to ensure there are no imminent dangers to the wildlife in the river. Almost 22 days since our initial report, we are unsure what measures have been taken, but as of today (22/05), the suspected pipe is still leaking from the ground and remains unfixed. We have asked NRW and Dŵr Cymru for an update. We have also noted that the filtration tanks have been switched off and have not received a response or explanation for this.

27/05/24: NWRT lab results have returned with readings over 10,000 for E. coli per 100ml. This is extremely high. The lab was unable to complete further tests due to the high level of sediment (we think sewage sludge particles) in the sample. NRW still claims there are no identified issues on site or the surrounding area by Dŵr Cymru and their own investigations. Dŵr Cymru notes that dye and CCTV investigations have shown no issues with the works, no leaks and no issues with its pipes coming in and out of the network. We will continue to apply pressure for a full and thorough investigation.

28/05/24: NRW has confirmed they have now been back on site taking new samples. Dŵr Cymru is claiming all samples are "earthy and clean." NWRT has asked what tests gave the results "earthy and clean." We have yet to receive a response.

03/06/24: NRW is now on site with Dŵr Cymru investigating the site for potential issues. NRW’s new results now show over 55,000 for E. coli. Dŵr Cymru is still claiming clean results. NRW cites agricultural/groundwater and natural occurrences as the cause. NWRT have asked for scientific results to back these claims.

05/06/24: NWRT was back on site to see the trenches Dŵr Cymru had dug after receiving reports of no issues at the site. The NWRT found that the leak had mysteriously dried up. The team dug the outside perimeter back to what we think is a layer of sewage sludge—to the fence line where it sits as a thick layer coming from the ground. This disproves the issue is coming from the surrounding area. We noted vast sewage fungus on the adjacent stream running into the Eden after an NRW social media comment claiming no issues and stating inaccurate information. We returned home to post the sewage fungus on our socials to point out the continued issues we feel are not being acted upon.

06/06/24: NRW revealed that on Monday the 3rd, investigations revealed a collapsed pipe above the works leaking untreated sewage for some time into the stream entering the Eden. This was accounting for the sewage fungus we found. We also received a Dŵr Cymru report citing no issues at the works and identifying agriculture as the potential issue. In the afternoon, Dŵr Cymru sent a follow-up email admitting the collapsed pipe and said they are on site fixing this.

08/06/24: NWRT CEO and Vice Chairman attended a sewage works visit to Bronaber. In attendance were six members of Dŵr Cymru and three members of NRW. We were given a tour of the works, and any E. coli issues were attributed to agricultural sources. NWRT has asked for records and data through an information request to ascertain the findings we were told in person. We were also informed that despite our footage, the filtration tanks had not been turned off for the last three weeks. We dispute this finding based on our own weekly investigations. Dŵr Cymru has also dispelled the consultancy report commissioned by Dŵr Cymru citing a leaking pipe as incorrect. They now cite that it was a large structure on site that was leaking—not a pipe and that no pipes are present. NWRT has asked for another area of the site to be dug and for the CEO to be present on-site, plus all site work information for the last ten years. We will update with any further information as soon as we have it.

A sample taken by NWRT at the site of the leaking pipe next to the sewage works.

NWRT emphasises the urgency of addressing the pollution threat to safeguard the Afon Eden and its diverse wildlife. We remain committed to monitoring the situation closely.

The ongoing collaboration between community groups, environmental organisations, and regulatory authorities is essential to address such environmental challenges and preserve the natural heritage of the Eden River for endangered species and for future generations.