We need to start experiencing the joy of being both embedded in community and connected to the natural world.

Helena Norberg-Hodge


Economic prosperity must go hand in hand with social cohesion and ecological sustainability

Mikhail Gorbachev






Monday, March 31, 2014

Shocking water statistics hidden by the Overstrand Municipality


Letter to the Hermanus Times / March 31

Title: Undisclosed statistics reveal shocking levels of pollution

While discussing the Hermanus Lagoon recently, a remark was made, that in twenty five years time the Klein River Estuary will be a large vlei, with the Klein River meandering through it .
 We may come to regret the day we laughed and dismissed this sad ironic joke, because we did nothing to stem the tide of the estuaries decay,  now being supercharged by sewage effluent and nitrate run off, due to archaic and outdated planning,  building and farming practices.
Studies have shown that there are approximately 255 functional estuaries in South Africa, the Klein River estuary is known to be the 5th most ecologically important. Found in the top 2% it contributes not only to essential marine biodiversity and direct fishery values but to inestimable economic values derived from agriculture and tourism which  may far outstrip the economic benefit’s we attribute to Whales.
On the 23rd November 2007 a report was published by Dr V.L. Hamilton-Attwell: Entitled REPORT ON SEWAGE POLLUTION IN THE KLEIN RIVER: FROM THE BRIDGE (R43) ON THE KLEIN RIVER AT STANFORD UP TO SCOUT CAMP (HERMANUS)
A summary reads: ‘The most important, source of pollution are the septic systems along the shore. All indications are that human impact and especially sewage management, must be targeted as the biggest pollution source. Along the estuary it has been ascertained that conservancy tanks are seldom pumped and that grey water is dumped in soak-aways and at some stands, all sewage is dumped directly into a soak-away.’
In January I managed to obtain, with great difficulty and only through the Access to information Act, the Municipal  water sampling records for the estuary and Grotto Beach. These records were previously published on the Overstrand Estuaries web site till March 2013. The site was discontinued and no results have been published since. We wonder why?
In December 2013 the Municipality sampled the estuary, in its customary bi-monthly water sampling program, in order to determine the level of faecal pollution. Intestinal enterococci (bacteria) one of the bacterial indicator organisms used to determine faecal pollution. 
The following figures for water samples were recorded for Intestinal Enteroccocci at the following sample points in the Klein River Estuary in December 2013;
Scout Camp:                        1940 cfu/per 100ml
Prawn Flats:                        3100 cfu/per 100ml
Hermanus Yacht Club:     5200 cfu/per 100ml

Stanford (Kings Street)     1100 cfu/per 100ml
The last flood (1:50 year) occurred on the 16th November 2013. These water sample readings were taken on the 12th and 19th December 2013.

The SA Water Guideline for Recreational water (2009) states a level in excess of 185 cfu/per 100ml as poor (unacceptable) with a gastro-intestinal (GI) health risk index of 8.5% .
The above water samples average well over 1000%  higher risk factor compared to the official health hazard levels, and in the case of the Hermanus Yacht Club, an unbelievable 2500% higher!
Grotto Beach still to come (approx 50 words)
Between 2010 and 2012 (three years after the Hamilton Atwell report was published) an audit was conducted amongst a group of property owners on the Klein River Estuary (Hermanus Lagoon) approximately 80% of the owners volunteered to participate, indicating the perceived severity of the pollution situation. Of those participating it was found that 80% of the tanks inspected were found to be faulty and beyond repair in many instances, furthermore the majority of these tanks and their soak-aways were found a few meters from the high water levels and a large number below these levels. Regardless of these efforts to renovate  the septic tanks, pollution continues to rise and any thought of converting to conservancy tanks was avoided.

Estuary water levels are defined as levels above Mean Sea Level (msl) It is said that the estuary should breach naturally at 3m above msl, furthermore that the official set back line for properties should be 5m above mean sea level (or in the case of the Coastal Protection Zone 100m, to be managed, regulated and restricted) 
In your dreams, none of this occurs, nor has ever been implemented !
Of further interest, the high water mark is now pegged at 2.6 msl, thanks to the expedient lobbying of home owners who have built too close to the high water level and suffer inundation whenever the estuary rises to the level it should and could rise. There are over 100 houses built below the 5m msl and the 1:50 year flood line on the river.
 With these water samples records now coming to light one can only wonder where the leadership will be found to put into place an estuary management plan (20 years in the making) that has regulatory clout and consequence that will effectively manage and rehabilitate the estuaries ecosystem?
We are reminded that should this be put in place we will not have to face the indignity of calling the Hermanus Yacht Club, the Hermanus Bird Club.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Grand Slam (Sewage) Sailing Series



Were the competitors of this event aware they were sailing in highly contaminated water?

The Hermanus Yacht Club municipal water sampling results has revealed readings 2000% over the National recreational water standards limits, making the water around the yacht club highly toxic and an extreme health risk.

See more information on this blog. 



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Hermanus Yacht Club's intestinal entraccoci water sample (e coli contamination) is 2500% over SA recreational water guideline standard



Do the members and their families know,
 do the National competitors and their families know,
do the Foreign competitors and their families know,
does the public know about the water contamination health risk? 




The Hermanus Yacht Club: The number one culprit for sewage pollution and artificial breaching lobby.




The Number One culprit for Hermanus Lagoon e coli pollution 
5200cfu/per 100ml Intestinal Enteroccoci
 Water sample taken 19th December 2013

2000% over SA Recreational water guideline


LOOK AT THE LAGOON WATER LEVELS IN THE PICTURES BELOW

*The Yacht Club septic tank is found between the two buildings (center in top picture) and well below 5msl set back line. 


2.0 msl (mean sea level)


                                           2.7 msl  (mean sea level)

Shocking statistics tell a frightening story of endemic e coli pollution in the Hermanus Lagoon (February 2014)


During December 2013 the Overstrand Municipality sampled the Klein River Estuary (as is customary in its bi-monthly water sampling program) in order to determine the level of faecal pollution. Intestinal enterococci (bacteria) is one of the bacterial indicator organisms used to determine faecal pollution. 
The following numbers are the results of the water samples collected for Intestinal Enteroccocci at the following sample points in the Klein River Estuary in December 2013;

Hermanus Yacht Club:     5200 cfu/per 100ml
Scout Camp:                   1940 cfu/per 100ml
Prawn Flats:                     3100 cfu/per 100ml

The SA Water Guideline for Recreational water (2009) states a level in excess of 185 cfu/per 100ml as poor (unacceptable) with a gastro-intestinal (GI) health risk index of 8.5% 
Some of the highest readings from the Hermanus Estuary (during this specific period of the year at these sites) represent over 1000 times higher risk factors compared to the official health hazard levels. 
 So why have none of these recordings been published and that a concerted NO SWIMMING program been put in place with signs and information, warning the public of the high health risks at these major tourist venues  (Stanford's Kings Street Jetty recorded 1100 cfu/per 100ml over same period)
The deathly silence and inactivity from the Counsel is nothing short of gross irresponsibility and shows a cynical disregard for the environment let alone the public at large.




Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The 2013/14 Hermanus Lagoon water samples published for the first time by HERMANUS UNPUBLISHED


        The unpublished Hermanus Lagoon water samples 

 2013/14 Overstrand municipality water sampling records show the horrifying facts of continuing sewage pollution in the Hermanus Lagoon 

Some of the recordings show extremely high levels of contamination, in some cases 2000 times over the 185 cfu/per 100ml standard guideline for Intestinal enteroccoci samples.

 Hermanus Yacht Club 
                                       December 2013   Enteroccoci     5200 cfu/ per 100ml
                                       January 2014       Enteroccoci     1200 cfu/ per 100ml 

Prawn Flats                    
                                        December 2013   Enteroccoci    3100 cfu/ per 100ml 
                                        January  2014      Enteroccoci    1370 cfu/ per 100ml

Stanford
                         Kings Street Jetty
                                                
                                      December 2013    Enteroccoci    1100 cfu/ per 100ml
                   

Monday, February 17, 2014

Interesting clues to the reasons for the historic artificial breaching of the Klein River Estuary



Drag net activity in the shallows of lagoon 1938 aerial survey

Coastal populations in the Cape have depended entirely on marine (and esturine) harvesting of fish and shell fish. It is here that one looks for the clues as to how, why and when the Klein River Estuary was artificially breached by local inhabitants looking to exploit the lagoon and the inter tidal exchange of the water bodies that constituted a major nursery for fish populations.  





Saturday, February 15, 2014

Historic pictures of the old fishing harbor of Hermanus

Pictures below show the last signs of the once abundant marine biodiversity at Hermanus. After the plundering of natural resources for two Centuries (lasting into the early 20th Century) saw, not only the local extinction of the larger mammals (Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo) but the total extinction of the Blou Bok and Quagga from the Cape. The depletion of fish stocks also coincided with the first signs of estuarine ecosystem decay, set in motion by the artificial breaching of the Bot and Klein River Estuaries by traditional seine net fisherman and the the advent of extensive herding of sheep and cattle and agricultural development in the catchment, causing Increasing siltation and nitrate run off into the estuary.


Sport fishing catch predominately Red Steenbras endemic to Cape/Natal. Known to enter deep estuaries. 

Huge unsustainable catch of predominantly juvenile Kabelou (Kob) with no refrigeration meant large amount of spoilt catches.




Earliest known picture of the Old Harbor circa 1873





Friday, February 14, 2014

Aerial view of the Klein River Estuary mouth taken on the 23rd December 1938

There are stories told of fisherman and property owners digging the mouth of the lagoon open, from both sides at the same time and seeing who could open the lagoon first!



It is said that the traditional artisan fisherman from Gansbaai would dig the channel on the Eastern side, from where they had ready access on the Eastern side of the lagoon mouth. The White holiday property owners would dig on the western side when their houses were threatened with innundation from the rising waters of the lagoon..

 Poor estuary, no wonder its in such a mess!



Monday, February 10, 2014

THE UNPUBLISHED OVERSTRAND MUNICIPAL WATER SAMPLING RECORDS FOR 2013/2014





Unpublished till now!


THIS IS THE WHOLE SAD STORY (RECORDS) 
OF UNBELIEVABLE MUNICIPAL INCOMPETENCE 

 Below is the 2013 - 2014 water sample records (unpublished) for Klein River Estuary; it follows on from the previously published records found on the OVERSTRAND ESTUARIES WEB SITE the web site readings ended March 2013.

THE 13/14 RECORDINGS SHOW THAT FOR FOUR MONTHS NO RECORDS WERE TAKEN AND THOSE THAT WERE, WERE BOTCHED, FIDDLED OR LOST  ! 

If you scroll down the page you will find the MUNICIPALITIES actual document that they sent to us on
 30 January 2014.

READ AND WEEP!

The SA Water Guideline for Recreational water (2009) states a level intestinal enterococci in excess of 185 cfu/per 100ml as poor (and unacceptable) with a gastro-intestinal (GI) health risk index of 8.5% .



SAMPLE SITES
St Code


ScoutCamp
K1
PrawnFlats
K2
YachtClub
K3
Stanford-Slipway
K4
King-St-Jetty
K5
Wortelgat
K6




15-Aug-13
29-Aug-13
12-Sep-13
26-Sep-13
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
17
600
1
1
4
690
17
23
77
1050
0
0
37
850
17
27
26
640
1
1
1
640
24
0
2900
1460
1
1
120
1050
165
0
5100
1960
1
1
112
910
198
71
160
2900
1
1
8
630
270
21


10-Oct-13
24-Oct-13
07-Nov-13
21-Nov-13
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
2
0
4
0
1
1
43
630
7
10
7
260
1
1
1
1
1
3
8
0
1
1
51
710
48
39
10
72
1
1
1
1
41
33
50
0
40
56
1
1
40
0
1
0
9
0
98
900


12-Dec-13
19-Dec-13
09-Jan-14
23-Jan-14
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
E.coli
Intest Ent
0
1940
3
290
40
600
90
460
0
3100
0
1370
350
3500
0
1700
0
0
20
5200
40
1200
0
0
120
720
1
1
1
1
42
180
16
1100
1
1
1
1
160
160
8
0
1
1
1
1
0
29000



The SA Water Guideline for Recreational water (2009) states a level intestinal enterococci in excess of 185 cfu/per 100ml as poor (and unacceptable) with a gastro-intestinal (GI) health risk index of 8.5% .


Below is the actual document received from the municipality on 30 Jan 2014  




Station K1 (Klein Estuary – scout camp)

Date                                Escherichia coli                 Intestinal Enterococci
                                            (cfu/100ml)                           (cfu/100ml)
15/8/2013                                 17                                          600                                                                            
29/8/2013                                          no bottles available
12/9/2013                                  4                                           690                                                                                      
26/9/2013                                 17                                           23
10/10/2013                                2                                      no growth          
24/10/2013                                4                                      no growth      
7/11/2013                                            sample spoiled
21/11/2013                               43                                          630                                     
5/12/2013                           no growth                                 1 940                      
19/12/2013                                3                                            290
9/1/2014                                    40                                          600
23/1/2014                                  90                                          460                                                                                    



Station K2 (Klein Estuary – Prawn Flats)

Date                                Escherichia coli                 Intestinal Enterococci
                                            (cfu/100ml)                           (cfu/100ml)
15/8/2013                                 77                                         1 050                                                                             
29/8/2013                                          no bottles available
12/9/2013                                 37                                           850                                                                                          
26/9/2013                                 17                                            27
10/10/2013                                7                                             10            
24/10/2013                                7                                            260            
7/11/2013                                            sample spoiled
21/11/2013                                           bottle broke                          
5/12/2013                          no growth                                  3 100
19/12/2013                        no growth                                  1 370
9/1/2014                                 350                                         3 500
23/1/2014                          no growth                                  1 700     

Station K3 (Klein Estuary – yacht club)

Date                                Escherichia coli                 Intestinal Enterococci
                                            (cfu/100ml)                           (cfu/100ml)
15/8/2013                                 26                                           640                                                                                 
29/8/2013                                          no bottles available
12/9/2013                                  1                                            640                                                                                         
26/9/2013                                 26                                     no growth
10/10/2013                                1                                              3                                                         
24/10/2013                                8                                      no growth                                                       
7/11/2013                                            sample spoiled
21/11/2013                               51                                          710                            
5/12/2013                          no growth                              no growth                                        
19/12/2013                               20                                        5 200
9/1/2014                                    40                                        1 200
23/1/2014                          no growth                              no growth               



              
Station K4 (Klein Estuary – Stanford slipway)

Date                                Escherichia coli                 Intestinal Enterococci
                                            (cfu/100ml)                           (cfu/100ml)
15/8/2013                               2 900                                      1 460                                                                                                                           
29/8/2013                                          no bottles available
12/9/2013                                 120                                       1 030                                                                                                                                        
26/9/2013                                 165                                   no growth
10/10/2013                                48                                           39                                                                                                       
24/10/2013                                10                                           72                                                                                             
7/11/2013                         bottle broke (courier involved in accident)      
21/11/2013                                            not sampled                           
5/12/2013                                 120                                         720                                             
19/12/2013                                            not sampled
9/1/2014                                                not sampled
23/1/2014                                  42                                          180                                        

Station K5 (Klein Estuary – King Street jetty)

Date                                Escherichia coli                 Intestinal Enterococci
                                            (cfu/100ml)                           (cfu/100ml)
15/8/2013                               5 100                                      1 960                                                                                                                                                                 
29/8/2013                                          no bottles available
12/9/2013                                112                                          910                                                                                                                                            
26/9/2013                                198                                           71                                  
10/10/2013                               41                                            33                                                                                                                                                  
24/10/2013                               50                                      no growth                                                                                                                                        
7/11/2013                                 40                                            56      
21/11/2013                                            not sampled                           
5/12/2013                                 19                                         1 100                                                                                        
19/12/2013                                            not sampled
9/1/2014                                                 not sampled
23/1/2014                                160                                          160
                                       



Station K6 (Klein Estuary – Wortelgat)

Date                                Escherichia coli                 Intestinal Enterococci
                                            (cfu/100ml)                           (cfu/100ml)
15/8/2013                                160                                        2 900                                                                                                                                                                                                        
29/8/2013                                          no bottles available
12/9/2013                                  8                                            630                                                                                                                                                                                       
26/9/2013                                270                                           21                                    
10/10/2013                               40                                      no growth                                                                                                                                                        
24/10/2013                                1                                       no growth                                                                                                                                                                             
7/11/2013                                  9                                       no growth                                                    
21/11/2013                               98                                           900                            
5/12/2013                                  8                                       no growth                                                                                                                                        
19/12/2013                                            not sampled
9/1/2014                                                 not sampled
23/1/2014                          no growth                                  29 000