Authorities investigate reports of sewage discharge into the sea near Moni

Cyprus’s Department of the Environment has launched an investigation following reports of possible untreated wastewater being discharged into the sea between the communities of Moni and Monagroulli. The results of laboratory tests are expected in the coming days.

The issue was raised during a meeting between representatives of local communities and the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. In addition to discussing the construction of a new desalination plant, participants reported possible pollution of the sea near the wastewater treatment facilities in Moni.

Following the complaint, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research sent divers to collect sediment samples, while specialists from the Department of the Environment took seawater samples.

The investigation was prompted by a written complaint accompanied by photographs. It claims that between 23 and 25 June, the colour and quality of the seawater changed noticeably, and that untreated wastewater was allegedly discharged into the sea below the treatment facilities.

The authorities note that the wastewater treatment facilities in Moni produce highly treated water, which is normally used for irrigation. Discharging this water into the sea is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, such as accidents or a temporary drop in demand following heavy rainfall.

According to local authorities, the wastewater treatment facilities in Moni have been receiving additional volumes of wastewater in recent months due to the reduced capacity of the plant in Vati. The complainants believe this may have led to the facility being overloaded.

An operating desalination plant is located approximately three kilometres from the alleged discharge site, while a new plant is planned nearby to supply water to the eastern part of Limassol district.