In his letter, lawyer Shahar Brinenberg from Zalul explained that Tzook Beach, one of the only open beaches to the public during the winter, was forbidden for bathing by the Ministry of Health for over three months as a result of heavy pollution.

 

Based on Zalul's investigation, it appears that the Ministry of Health has ordered the beach to be closed for the entire winter bathing season due to the large number of samples taken that showed high concentrations of fecal coliforms coming from the sewage treatment plant in Herzliya located next to the Herzliya marina.

 

In addition, wrote Brinenberg, in their permit for discharging sewage to the sea from the Sea Spillage Permit Committee, it is forbidden for the Herzliya Municipality to discharge sewage, including coliform bacteria.  Foremost, the condition of the permit stated that the Herzliya Municipality would be finished with their sewage treatment plant upgrade by March 31, 2008.

 

For this reason, Zalul requested in writing that the Mayor update them on the upgrade progress of the sewage treatment plant, which began two years ago after an aggressive campaign done by Zalul for a clean, clear sea in Herzliya.

 

Zalul stated, "The worrisome picture points to the existence of a severe problem in the management of the sewage treatment plant in Herzliya, which, much to our regret, is ruining the calm winter season, by discharging sewage, instead of treating the root of the problem.