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IMPROVED GROUND WATER BRINGS WILDLIFE BACK INTO SOUTHBROOM
The
efforts over the past 3 years of the now fondly named CRAP team (Concerned
Residents Against Pollution) are starting to pay dividends. The quality of
ground water in Southbroom is much improved (E-coli counts have been
substantially reduced) and this is evidenced by the number of bird species that
are now frequenting the dams on the golf course.
Wildlife knows what to drink and what not to drink and, on Friday 22 May 2010,
golfers stood amazed at the sight around the dam between the 1st tee and 13th
green. There were Woollynecked Stork (14 in total), Egyptian Geese, Blacksmith
Plover, Cape and African Pied Wagtail to name but a few of the species.
Interesting to watch were the intense efforts of the Plovers to chase the Storks
away! Can anyone tell us why??
Regular testing of our natural water courses, and following the contaminant
upstream to the source, has been rewarded by the co-operation of both Ratepayers
and District Government. Offending septic tanks and package plants have been
repaired and the E-coli counts have been dropping as a result. Sincere thanks to
all.
Further cause for celebration is that the Umkobi Lagoon, that once tested
>10,000 parts per million of E-coli, tested sparkling clean and E-coli free last
week. The most recent report of "Wildlife Back into Southbroom" was a pair of
Cape Clawless Otter that were sighted in the lagoon right of the Trattoria
Restaurant.
Ratepayers are reminded to please continue to treat their septic tanks
especially when coming down to a home that has been unoccupied for more than two
months. Pro-Bac products are available at the Southbroom Supermarket and we
should all be using them - especially now that we know that we can collectively
make a difference in a very short space of time.
The
success of Southbroom's ground water testing has resulted in the initiative
being rolled out throughout Ward 1 (Southbroom to Port Edward) as part of the
Green Town Pilot Project approved and funded by the UGU District Municipality.
Ramsgate has also come on board and it is hoped that the public / private
partnership will eventually span the entire district.
The
private sector (members of Ratepayer Associations and Conservancies) are taking
the samples, plotting the results, and making the initial contact with owners of
offending systems whilst the public sector (the District Municipality) is
testing the samples at the UGU water treatment laboratory in Boboyi and its
Health Officials are there to assist and enforce the By-laws were necessary.
UGU
District Municipality has also amended its By-laws to ensure that new buildings
separate their black and grey water and will also be playing a more active role
in inspecting septic and conservancy tank systems throughout the area.
The
Green Town Pilot Project is Co-Chaired by Ward 1 Councillor Dave Watson and
Southbroom resident James (Jim) Davey. If you need advice on your system or
think it necessary to test ground water in your area, please contact Jim on
jmacray@vodamail.co.za
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