In autumn 2022, we received several reports of significant and regular bacteriological pollution at Penfoul beach in Landunvez (29). Confirmed by our tests, this pollution regularly exceeds the thresholds authorised by French regulations and poses a risk to the environment and users of this beach. Surfrider is now fighting to restore the good quality of bathing water in this area.
Our actions
September 2024 – Landunvez: New analyses show the significant role of livestock farming in beach pollution
August 2023 – Water analysis report upstream of Penfoul beach in Landunvez
August 2023 – ‘Results of Surfrider’s bacteriological sampling in Landunvez show that bathers are not sufficiently protected.’
THE CASE
The defenders
The defender is a resident of Landunvez. He regularly takes samples and monitors discussions with the various stakeholders on site. He also works closely with several local associations that share similar goals of stopping pollution. This case is also of interest to our local Surfrider Finistère group.
State of the environment
Surfrider’s samples taken in the bathing area and the catchment basin show regular pollution of the beach and stream, with regular exceedances of legal thresholds. Our results for summer 2023 show average to poor bacteriological water quality, particularly after rainfall. We are investigating several potential sources of pollution, all of which must be taken seriously by the authorities: failures in individual and collective sanitation systems, overgrazing, agricultural spreading, etc.
Our demands
We want to see the restoration of good bathing water quality at this site. Since June 2023, Surfrider has been participating in the Pays d’Iroise bathing water quality steering committee, alongside dozens of elected officials, experts, representatives from the agricultural sector and environmental protection associations. In 2024, a health-related zoning plan was established to restore bathing water quality through various measures targeting potential sources of pollution. For the moment, we have not seen any significant improvement in Penfoul.