News

Fighting Pollution and Non-Native Species in Falmouth

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have changed the way that boats are lifted in order to catch the wash water from pressure washing the boats. This prevents the paint coming off the boats from getting into the water causing pollution and increasing the risk of spreading invasive nonnative species.

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have changed the way that boats are lifted in order to catch the wash water from pressure washing the boats. This prevents the paint coming off the boats from getting into the water causing pollution and increasing the risk of spreading invasive nonnative species.

Water from washing is collected on mats and then treated. The water would originally often contain heavy metals such as copper from antifoul paint which is toxic to marine species.

The water underwent two treatment processes: to remove solid particles and to remove heavy metals. The photo below shows the visible difference before and after two treatment stages. The water was tested by South West Water and allowed to be disposed into the sewer. The port collected 8m3 of water which would have otherwise polluted the water and potentially allowed the spread of invasive non native species.