Environment Agency ends no-swim warning after sewage spill

The warning began after sewage leaked into the River Tees when the Cargo Fleet sewage main, near Dockside Road in Middlesbrough, burst on June 26.

The warning covered beaches in Hartlepool, Seaton Carew, Redcar, Marske, and Saltburn.

Surfers entering the water at Saltburn beach. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Northumbria Water confirmed that the pipe had been repaired on Monday (June 6): "We can confirm that the burst sewer main in Cargo Fleet Lane has now been repaired and is back in service.

"Our teams have been working incredibly hard on the difficult repair since the burst last week.

"To carry out the repair, they needed to remove several thousand tonnes worth of material from on top of the main to allow access to the pipework.

"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.

"Work will be continuing over the next few weeks as a more permanent solution is put in place, but we can confirm that there will be no further emergency discharges."

On Wednesday (July 8), the Environment Agency confirmed that the ‘no swim’ advice had been lifted.

The Environment Agency has lifted the 'no swim' warning. (Image: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY)

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: We can confirm advice against swimming has been now lifted at the following locations: Redcar Granville Redcar Lifeboat Station Redcar Coatham Seaton Carew North Gare Seaton Carew Centre Seaton Carew North Marske Sands Redcar Stray Saltburn Water."

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, released a Facebook post about the ban being lifted: "The Environment Agency has now confirmed that the precautionary advice against bathing along our coastline has been removed.

"This follows the completion of repair works by Northumbrian Water on the damaged sewer pipe near Dockside Road, with the system now operating normally and no further emergency discharges expected.

"After a week of disruption and concern for residents, swimmers, businesses, and visitors, this is very welcome news.

"However, there are still serious questions that need answering.

"Around 15,000 m³ of sewage was being discharged into the estuary twice daily during this incident.

"We need to understand exactly what happened, how it happened, and ensure any lessons are learned to prevent something like this happening again.

"The Environment Agency has confirmed it will continue to work with Northumbrian Water on a full investigation into the cause and any appropriate action needed.

"Our beaches are one of our greatest assets, and I’ll always fight to protect them."