What is NEPA doing about Discovery Bay?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

DEAR MR Peter Knight, chief executive officer of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

Congratulations on being honoured for your work in the environmental sphere!

The Discovery Bay Community Development Committee would like to bring to your attention some concerns.

Since the dolphins’ arrival, our bay is seeing signs of pollution.

One of our members who went to the beach early in the day this week took a video of the beach nearest the dolphin pens. What appears to be dolphin faeces can be seen on the sand in the water.

Early-morning swimmers at 6:00 are getting worried, as the water at that time is cloudy, smelly and sometimes the sand is slimy.

Several people with sensitive skin have developed skin rashes after a short time in the water.

AFRAID TO SPEAK

We receive these complaints, but, as you are aware, the majority of people are frightened to speak out because they are scared. We live in a society where influential people are rarely challenged openly.

I need not reiterate the environmental concerns. They are well documented and in your possession.

The captive dolphins attract wild dolphins and these frighten swimmers, especially children.

In July, a shark also entered the bay!

NEPA was forewarned that these activities would occur.

Please respond as to what NEPA has done so far to protect this fish sanctuary and family beach.

Has Dolphin Cove’s permit been renewed?

LEE ARBOUIN President Discovery Bay Community Development Committee