The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment has said sewage water discharge into the ocean around Cape Town poses no immediate threat to the environment and is common practice worldwide.

A Business Day report says it was responding to criticism of – and a pending appeal against – the department’s issue of coastal water discharge permits (CWDPs) for Hout Bay, Camps Bay and Green Point, where the city discharges sewerage that has undergone ‘preliminary treatment’, via outfall pipes situated out to sea.

ActionSA confirmed last week the party had met with attorneys and would appeal against the granting of the permits, which are valid for a further five years.

However, the department and city insist marine impact assessments conducted by the CSIR show no ‘major risks’ to human health.

‘The findings of the abovementioned study indicated there is no immediate ecological disaster or major risks to human health forthcoming as a result of the effluent discharged through the Cape Town outfalls,’ said the department.

‘The department also considered alternative options during the decision-making process. However, no other feasible options are available. The city cannot cease the operations of the waste water treatment works as the municipality has a constitutional responsibility to deliver water and sanitation services to its citizens.’

Full Business Day report