Raw Sewage at Peel and Laxey

Summary

A request was made to Manx Utilities Authority for data on raw sewage discharge volumes in Peel and Laxey bays and sea water testing frequency. The authority disclosed estimated daily sewage volumes, clarified that discharges include significant groundwater infiltration, and stated that sea water quality testing is the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Key Facts

• Peel outfall discharges approximately 2,900m3 of liquid daily during dry weather, containing an estimated 975m3 of actual sewage.
• Laxey outfall discharges between 1,500m3 and 4,000m3 of liquid daily during dry weather, containing an estimated 335m3 of actual sewage.
• Discharge volumes can vary significantly due to groundwater infiltration, which can reach up to 90% during winter or wetter months.
• Manx Utilities Authority does not conduct sea water quality testing; this is the remit of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
• The response was issued on 8 February 2022 following a request received on 21 January 2022.

Data Disclosed

• 2,900m3
• 975m3
• 975,000 litres
• 1,500m3
• 4,000m3
• 335m3
• 335,000 litres
• 90%
• 150l/p/d
• 2022-01-21
• 2022-02-08
• 2205126

Original Request

Please can you confirm the following: 1. What is the estimated amount of raw sewage pumped through the sewer pipeline into Peel bay each day (in gallons, or cubic metres or in some other measurement)? 2. What is the estimated amount of raw sewage pumped through the sewer pipeline into Laxey Bay each day? 3. How often is the sea water quality tested/monitored in Peel and Laxey Bays? Thank you

Data Tables (2)

Full Response Text

Manx Utilities PO Box 177, Douglas Isle of Man, IM99 1PS

e: enquiries@manxutilities.im t: 01624 687687 www.manxutilities.im

Our ref: 2205126 8 February 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 21 January 2022 and which states:

"Please can you confirm the following: 1. What is the estimated amount of raw sewage pumped through the sewer pipeline into Peel bay each day (in gallons, or cubic metres or in some other measurement)? 2. What is the estimated amount of raw sewage pumped through the sewer pipeline into Laxey Bay each day? 3. How often is the sea water quality tested/monitored in Peel and Laxey Bays? Thank you"

Our response to your request is as follows: Please note this updated response, issued on 8 February 2022, is to include further clarity and explanation to the initial figures supplied – additional information in blue. 1. Estimated total amount of liquid that discharges through Manx Utilities’ Peel outfall is to be approximately 2,900m3 during dry weather. This liquid is not solely ‘human sewage’, but a mixture of sewage and groundwater (variation can be high due to levels of infiltration within the catchment, up to 90% during Winter/wetter months). Using industry standard figures (150l/p/d) it is estimated that the following quantities of actual sewage discharged each day is 975m3 (975,000 litres). 2. Estimated total amount of liquid that discharges through Manx Utilities’ Laxey outfall is to be between 1,500m3 to 4,000m3 during dry weather. This liquid is not solely ‘human sewage’, but a mixture of sewage and groundwater (variation can be high due to levels of infiltration within the catchment, up to 90% during Winter/wetter months).

Using industry standard figures (150l/p/d) it is estimated that the following quantities of actual sewage discharged each day is 335m3 (335,000 litres). 3. Manx Utilities has no responsibility for sea water quality testing, which is under the remit of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture: Environmental Protection Unit - Bathing water quality testing.

Please quote the reference number 2205126 in any future communications.

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