2019 Bathing Water Profile for Perranporth Penhale Sands

http://environment.data.gov.uk/data/bathing-water-profile/ukk3102-31900/2019:1

  • bathing water description
    Perranporth Penhale Sands is in the centre of Perran Sands on the north coast of Cornwall. It is a sandy beach resort approximately one kilometre wide, backed by sand dunes. A stream flows across the beach to the sea.
  • controller name
    Cornwall
  • county name
    Cornwall
  • history statement
    In the past the water quality at Perranporth was affected by an untreated sewage outfall near Cligga Head and unsatisfactory combined sewer overflows (CSO) discharging to the Bolingey Stream. A sewage treatment works (STW) for Perranporth was built at Cligga Head by South West Water in late 1997. The scheme included a new relocated outfall, resewerage and improvements to CSOs. The outfall from the STW was relocated again in April 2005 and treatment was upgraded to full secondary treatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was installed at the Perranuthnoe pumping station by April 2011.
  • macro algae statement
    For the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, seaweed (macroalgae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 82% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts of seaweed (macro algae).
  • phytoplankton statement
    For the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton (microscopic algae) was not noted at this site. Phytoplankton (microscopic algae) naturally increase in number at certain times of the year. This process is known as a phytoplankton bloom. This bathing water does not have a history of phytoplankton blooms. The risks to human health from contact, ingestion or inhalation with marine algae that currently occur in UK coastal waters are considered to be low. However, some individuals may be more sensitive and display some reactions. A common marine algae found in UK coastal waters is Phaeocystis, which is often mistaken for sewage as it forms foam and a brown scum, but it is non-toxic.
  • pollution risk forecasting
    false
  • pref label
    2019 Bathing Water Profile for Perranporth Penhale Sands
  • sampling frequency
    5
  • season finish date
    2019-09-30
  • season start date
    2019-05-01
  • stw outfalls statement
    The outfall from Perranporth STW discharges to the sea approximately 2.3km southwest of the bathing water. This discharge is disinfected and designed to protect bathing water quality.
  • version string
    1
  • visible pollution statement
    Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Perranporth Penhale Sands for the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, sewage debris was not noted at this site. Litter was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but was observed as being present on 66% of visits. Tarry residue was not noted at this site.
  • zoi description
    The catchment surrounding Perranporth Penhale Sands is approximately 3,650 hectares. There are no streams entering the sea at the bathing water, however, the Bolingey and Perrancoombe streams enter the sea one kilometre south at Perranporth Village End. The Perrancoombe Stream is approximately 7.6 kilometres (km) long and rises just north of the A30 flowing northwards to Perranporth. The Bolingey Stream is approximately 16km long (including tributaries). The steep catchment means rain runs off rapidly into the streams. The catchment is mostly agricultural, with around 20 farms, and the rural areas are mostly improved grassland, with some arable and wooded valleys, particularly on the Bolingey Stream. Urban areas include Perranporth and Goonhavern and there are many holiday camps and caravan sites in the catchment. Much of the coastline is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
  • bathing water

    Perranporth Penhale Sands

  • local authority
    Cornwall
  • season interval

    p152 dT23 h59 m59 s

  • source
    row=0342
  • standard language collection

    2019 31900:1

    • algae general statement
      Seaweed (macroalgae) and phytoplankton (microscopic algae) are a natural part of the marine and freshwater environment. Below we note whether these have been recorded in quantities sufficient to be a nuisance.
    • eso outfalls general statement
      The majority of sewers in England are “combined sewers” and carry both sewage and surface water from roofs and drains. A storm overflow operates during heavy rainfall when the sewerage system becomes overwhelmed by the amount of surface water. The overflow prevents sewage from backing up pipes and flooding properties and gardens. An emergency overflow will only operate infrequently, for example due to pump failure or blockage in the sewerage system.
    • local authority general statement
      Heavy rain falling on pavements and roads often flows into surface water drains or highway drains, ending up in local rivers and ultimately the sea. The quality of bathing water may be adversely affected as a result of such events.
    • pollution management general statement
      It is the Environment Agency role to drive improvement of water quality at bathing waters that are at risk of failing higher standards. It is natural for water to run off the land to the sea. Water quality at a bathing water is dependent upon the type and area of land (the catchment) draining to the water and the activities undertaken in that catchment.
    • stw outfalls general statement
      Discharges from sewage treatment works have improved substantially in England since the 1980s.
  • web res image
    ukk3102 31900 1 webres.jpg

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