Sewage spill into Abu Dhabi beaches 'under control'

No fish deaths or algal blooms have been reported as sewerage pipe repaired.

A recent spill of raw sewage into the sea around Abu Dhabi has been controlled and should not cause lasting adverse environmental effects, according to tests of water samples, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) said today.

EAD also reported no fish deaths or algal growth had been detected as efforts were stepped up to assess the environmental impact of the spill and to continue to check stocks in fish markets to ensure food safety.

The spillage was caused last week after a building contractor broke a main sewerage pipe in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, east of Musaffah, which carried outflow to a treatment plant at Al Wathba.

The sewage outflow prompted authorities to close Al Bateen beach in the south of Abu Dhabi island, banning all water activities and fishing.

The sewerage pipe has since been repaired and local fish stocks are being monitored, the authority said.