Water samples have confirmed the presence of foul-smelling sewage at three locations within the protected Akrotiri Salt Lake wetland, environmental group Terra Cypria has reported.
Initial water analysis by the Department of Environment appears to support Terra Cypria’s findings of sewage discharge in the environmentally sensitive peninsula, which hosts significant flora and fauna species.
The Akrotiri peninsula, already under pressure from summer disturbances and excessive freshwater inflow that dramatically alters the wetland’s characteristics, now faces an additional environmental threat. Recent observations reveal unexplained large quantities of malodorous water showing signs of eutrophication along the salt lake, endangering the wetland ecosystem.
The Department of Environment director, Lakis Mesimeris, told Philenews that joint efforts are underway with relevant Cyprus government departments and British Bases authorities to identify the source of the problem. “There are two main aspects – the receptor and the source. The receptor of these quantities is on British Bases territory, while the sources likely originate from Republic-controlled land”, he said.
Mesimeris confirmed that preliminary analysis results are being processed following on-site investigations. “We are working to determine the hazard level, verify if these are indeed sewage waters, and locate the flow source to enforce applicable legislation”, he added.
Terra Cypria’s executive director, Koulla Michael, reported that site visits revealed large quantities of foul-smelling water at three drainage channel locations. “There is a septic tank odour, and in one area the plants have decomposed. The water’s structure and composition appear to have changed”, she said.
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