Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is due to start work shortly on a £750,000 project to replace the longsea outfall on Seafront Beach in Porthcawl. Although the existing concrete outfall pipe operates effectively, structural wear and tear has meant work is now needed to safeguard public health and safety.

The current outfall pipe is six feet high and runs down the middle of the beach - the new pipe will be buried under the sand. As part of the scheme, the old outfall pipe will have to be broken up on the beach. Welsh Water will be using biodegradable fuels to do this, to ensure that the beach will not be polluted while the work is carried out. The work starts in the next few weeks and will be completed by the end of March 2009.

Project manager Paul James said:

“This scheme has been designed to address the aesthetic and health and safety issues surrounding the existing structure. The new outfall will directly benefit people in the Porthcawl area – particularly those businesses overlooking the beach - and visitors to the town in the busy summer months. It reflects our continued commitment to provide improvements for customers and the environment.”

Contract partners, Kelda will deliver the refurbishment scheme on behalf of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Welsh Water liaised closely with Environment Agency Wales and Bridgend County Borough Council over the scheme.

While the replacement of the longsea outfall is being carried out, a separate £1.4m Welsh Water project will also be taking place in Porthcawl during the winter months, to alleviate the risk of internal flooding to properties. T