NEA conducting study on specific sources of pollution of beaches

Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia 26 Aug 08;

SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) is undertaking a detailed consultancy study to better understand the specific sources of pollution affecting beaches in Singapore.

In a written reply to a parliamentary question filed by Pasir Ris Punggol GRC MP Charles Chong, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim said the study is expected to be completed early next year.

The NEA introduced new guidelines for recreational water quality at the end of July. Based on these guidelines, Pasir Ris beach was assessed to be unsuitable for primary contact activities such as swimming, water-skiing and wakeboarding.

Dr Yaacob explained that some of the causes behind the high enterococcus microbial indicator include storm water runoff, riverine activities, indiscriminate discharges from industries and construction sites, and even non-domestic activities in the open seas.

He said the NEA will regularly collect and analyse water samples at popular recreational beaches.

The grading of beaches will be reviewed annually with advisories updated as necessary on their suitability for swimming and other primary contact activities. - CNA/vm