Raw effluent has been spotted pumping into the River Taff near Pontypridd after a nearby sewage pipe burst. Engineers from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water have already attended the site and are trying to rectify the problem which was noticed on Tuesday by local fly angler Josh Clark.
The 30-year-old, who filmed the spill on his phone, called the incident an "environmental disaster" and said he'd seen human waste in the water. "I also witnessed nappies, wet wipes, and sanitary towels washed down the river," he added.
"It's absolutely disgusting and saddens me to see my local river in this state." Josh's footage was also shared on Facebook by well-known Carmarthenshire angling expert and presenter Steffan Jones.
"Raw sewage pumping straight into the river, he posted, "Literally happening as I type – what a crazy, maddening world we live in." And those commenting on Steffan's post claimed that "an issue at this exact location had previously been reported by anglers" during the last two years.
Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan posted on Twitter on Tuesday: "The council has made Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water (DCWW) aware of this incident near Treforest. It appears that a DCWW main sewer has broken in the river. DCWW have attended the site today and are looking to take action as this appears to be a serious incident with foul sewerage."
A spokesman for Welsh Water said on Tuesday night: "We are aware that a trunk sewer has burst near Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. We are currently on site with Natural Resources Wales and are working on how best to repair the burst as soon as possible.
"We have notified key stakeholders in the area and will continue to issue updates as the repair work progresses." David Letellier, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, added, "On Tuesday, March 7, we received a report from Dwr Cymru of a burst sewer main in the River Taff at Lewiston Park, Treforest.
"NRW officers have attended to monitor the site and collect water samples and are returning to site this morning to investigate further. They are also providing advice and guidance to Dwr Cymru, who have been working overnight in response to the incident.
"Suspected pollution incidents can be reported to NRW via our 24/7 incident line 0300 065 3000 or online here."
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