Possible cause of Teesside sewage main burst identified

Northumbrian Water said teams have spent the weekend working on the damaged sewage main after removing several thousand tonnes of material from above the pipe.

The Environment Agency issued a warning on Tuesday (June 30), advising people not to swim at beaches including Hartlepool, Seaton Carew, Redcar, Marske and Saltburn.

The areas affected by the sewage spill. (Image: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY)

In its latest update, Northumbrian Water said engineers now have full access to the damaged section.

A spokesperson said: "Teams are continuing to work hard over the weekend following a burst sewage main in Middlesbrough.

"After removing several thousand tonnes worth of material that was disposed of on top of the main, the pipe has now been exposed, allowing teams full access to the repair.

"We believe that the damage was likely caused by the pressure of this material on top of the main, and was likely caused by a third party.

"Our teams are now in the process of removing a section of the old pipework, and around six meters of new pipe will be fitted in over tonight and tomorrow.

"We are continuing to carry out environmental monitoring and sampling, and the Environment Agency has issued advice that states: 'early sample results indicate that there has not been an impact to bathing water, but we are awaiting further results.'

"We are working closely with local authorities including the Environment Agency, who will further advise on their precautionary no-swim notice which currently remains in place.

"Further details on this can be found on their Swimfo map here – https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/

"We would like to thank customers for their patience, and will provide further updates on progress of the repair tomorrow."

A burst sewer main in Middlesbrough has been exposed as engineers move into the next stage of repairs, while a no-swim warning for the Teesside coast remains in place. (Image: NORTHUMBRIAN WATER)

The water company previously said the burst was first reported on Friday (June 26) near Dockside Road in Middlesbrough.

It said the repair had proved "extremely complicated" because several thousand tonnes of material had to be removed before engineers could reach the damaged pipe.

The company had earlier said it expected repair work to be completed early next week, with the Environment Agency deciding when the no-swim advice can be lifted.

Redcar and Cleveland Council leader Alec Brown previously said: "I am extremely disappointed that residents and visitors have been advised not to bathe at our beaches because of a sewage incident.

"Our coastline is one of Redcar and Cleveland's greatest assets, and people rightly expect to be able to enjoy it safely, particularly during the summer months.

Surfers Against Sewage protest at Saltburn by the Sea. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

"This situation is simply not acceptable.

"The Environment Agency's advice must be taken seriously, and I would urge everyone to avoid bathing at the affected beaches until it is confirmed that the water is safe again.

"Residents deserve clean, safe bathing waters, and I will continue to press for answers and keep the public informed as the situation develops."