Unfortunately, the sea lettuce problem in the estuary will remain even if the discharged wastewater goes into the ocean, as the growth of sea lettuce depends on other factors as well as wastewater.

Both options being considered would guarantee high contact-recreation standards for the estuary but the Council considers it is unsatisfactory, in principle, to take the easier and costlier option of discharging wastewater into the ocean by a 2km or 3km pipeline.

Councillors believe this would not encourage current or future generations of residents to adopt the highest achievable standards for wastewater long term.