The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says the Coastal Waters Discharge Permits (CWDPs) issued to the City iof Cape Town were preceded by marine-impact assessment studies that indicated that there is no immediate ecological disaster or major risks to human health forthcoming as a result of the effluent discharged through the Cape Town outfalls. Additionally, alternative options were also considered during the decision-making process. However, no other feasible options are available currently, it says.