Slapton Sands Torcross is on the south coast of Devon. It is a remote shingle beach,
approximately one kilometre wide, backed by Slapton Ley Nature Reserve.
There is a storm overflow from the Torcross pumping station, that discharges to the
sea to the sea 300 metres (m) south of the bathing water. There is also a storm overflow
from the Torcross pumping station, that discharges to the outlet from Slapton Ley
150m from the Environment Agency monitoring point. The operation of the overflows
can lead to a temporary drop in bathing water quality.
The South West Water sewage treatment scheme for Slapton and Torcross, which provides
secondary treatment at Slapton sewage treatment works (STW), was completed in early
2005.
Storm overflow event duration monitoring (EDM) was installed at the Torcross pumping
station by December 2011.
The small residential area immediately behind the beach is served by a combined (surface
and sewer) system. There are no outfalls from the system onto the beach.
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 52% of visits. This bathing water does not have a history of large amounts
of seaweed (macro algae).
For the four year (2015-2018) assessment period where data is available, phytoplankton
(microscopic algae) was not assessed as being sufficient to be objectionable, but
was observed as being present on 4% of visits. 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.
The Slapton STW outfall (SX8241041700) discharges to the sea 300m south of the bathing
water. This discharge is designed to protect bathing water quality.
Environment Agency samplers make observations of litter present on the beach at every
visit, this includes assessments of sewage debris, litter and tar. At Slapton Sands
Torcross 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 26% of visits. Tarry residue
was not noted at this site.
The catchment surrounding Slapton Sands Torcross is approximately 4,800 hectares.
The landscape is composed of flat-topped ridges, dissected by narrow valleys. Behind
the shingle ridge of Slapton Sands is the nature reserve of Slapton Ley, which is
a freshwater lagoon fed by two main streams.
The Slapton Stream is approximately six kilometres long and enters the lagoon at the
centre of the bay. The Gara River enters the eastern side of the lagoon and is the
main stream in the catchment. Both rivers spill out into floodplains in the lower
catchment, affecting habitats and management near Slapton Ley. Land use is mainly
agricultural with livestock including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, horses, pigs,
deer and alpacas. Arable land and cultivation dominate the flat land in the upper
areas of the catchment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
