CITY OF CAPE TOWN

MEDIA RELEASE

Blue Flag status for Big Bay Beach removed pending necessary improvements

From 14 January 2010, the City will be withdrawing the Blue Flag status granted to Big Bay Beach amid various water management issues. Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Cllr. Gerhard Ras says “the City will continue to provide and improve upon the safety and infrastructural services provided at the beach, but it will not fly the Blue Flag”. Instead, Big Bay will once again be managed as a pilot Blue Flag beach until the situation has been resolved. This will ensure the continuation of services and maintenance of standards set by the Blue Flag Programme.

Concerns about Big Bay Beach first arose last year when a foul-smelling layer of green sludge coating the surface of the beach and a continual dampness of the beach sand were reported. These observations were made in the area directly opposite the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse and in front of the Big Bay development. The influx of such reports to City offices intensified following Big Bay’s award of Blue Flag status in October 2009. The City discussed the matter with the managing agency for Blue Flag in South Africa: the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). Following a routine inspection by WESSA, the Blue Flag status was temporarily suspended, and WESSA committed to providing direction and assistance. This suspension was valid pending the City’s own investigations and the implementation of a plan of action.

Following its investigation, the City’s report noted that the foreign layer is freshwater green algae – a phenomenon which is harmless to beach users. Routine water monitoring at Big Bay has shown that the beach complies with Blue Flag and European Union water quality standards as there are no harmful levels of faecal bacteria in the seawater. The green algal layer is more pronounced where the overland storm water flows from the development area onto the beach.

The City’s report has identified a raised ground water table. Moreover, the irrigation system on the dune in front of the Clubhouse leaks and pipes are over-flowing. The combination of the raised groundwater table, storm water outflows, and malfunctioning irrigation system are cited as the likely causes of the persistent dampness. The irrigation has since been terminated until it is repaired.

The City acknowledges that there is a need to assess the underlying causes of the conditions observed at Big Bay, and is working towards a resolution of this matter. This involves securing an engineering expert who will assess the structure and integrity of the storm water system, assess the management of the groundwater system, and recommend remedial action. The City will then see to it that the recommendations of the expert are followed.

Big Bay was among seven of the City’s beaches to receive Blue Flag status on the 29th October 2009. The other recipients of this status were Bikini, Mnandi, Strandfontein, Muizenberg, Camps Bay and Clifton fourth beaches. Blue Flag status ensures that the City manages the beaches according to a set of international criteria relating to safety and services; environmental management, education and information; and water quality.

The problems at Big Bay are complex, and as such require a specialised solution. Cllr. Ras says that “any remedial action will take place over a lengthy period but the City is committed to resolving this matter”.

Issued by:                Communication Department, City of Cape Town

View the initial report issued by the City of Cape Town here.