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2.2 Deputy S. Power of St. Brelade of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding the anticipated remaining lifespan of La Collette 2 and plans for la Collette 3 or any other future reclamation project:
Would the Minister inform Members what the latest estimate is for the anticipated remaining lifespan of La Collette 2 and how far advanced plans are for La Collette 3 or any other suggested reclamation project?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye of St. Helier (The Minister for Transport and Technical
Services):
The anticipated lifespan of the La Collette 2 site is estimated to be between 9 and 11 years. This estimate is based on the current and historic infill rate and if the infill rate reduces the lifespan would increase and vice versa. The waste strategy identifies the need for a future inert waste disposal site when La Collette 2 is full. The options consist of a further marine reclamation site or a land-based site, probably in one of the existing quarries when they have been fully worked in terms of mineral extraction. The department is already working with the planning department to assess the timeframe for a land-based solution. However, as yet there are no fixed dates for a site to become available. The option of a further marine-based site will have to be fully evaluated as to extend to the southeast of the existing La Collette site will require careful consideration of the current RAMSAR designation for that area. I am aware of proposals for smaller marine-based sites in other locations, but these will require full environmental and economic evaluation. The department will be commencing work on identifying options for future inert waste disposal sites early next year. A request for capital funding to enable a full technical evaluation has been included in the 2011 capital programme.
- Deputy J.B. Fox of St. Helier :
I wonder if the Minister could indicate whether one of the previous plans by a previous Harbourmaster was to look seriously at providing our long-term future shipping requirements by way of an arm leading out beyond the Dog's Nest, the Demie de Pas, et cetera, to a new island out there, which would allow us to have regular-size shipping able to stop - cruise liners, et cetera? I wanted to ask if this is in their proposed thinking.
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
I have heard of such a plan being drawn up and I assume currently stored somewhere. I have to inform the Deputy I have not looked at it personally and as far as I know that particular plan is not currently at the forefront of the department's thinking. But as the Deputy has alerted me to it, I am sure we can have another look at it.
- Senator L. Norman:
On at least 2 occasions the States have approved in principle a land reclamation scheme at St. Aubin. Could the Minister tell us what progress has been made on that project, please?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
I understand that plans for a reclamation site at St. Aubin have been in the course of discussion for something like 40 years or maybe even longer. I can inform the Senator that, in effect, discussions are continuing and I recently attended a meeting with the Connétable of St. Brelade in company with the Treasury Minister and a number of other key personnel to discuss a St. Aubin reclamation site. But it is a potentially expensive project and, as I said, it is also a quite sensitive area. My understanding is that there are split views on how things should go forward within the Parish and I would certainly advise the Senator to talk to the local Deputies on that particular issue. But we are looking at it.
- Senator F.H. Walker :
Would the Minister confirm that, in fact, the Council of Ministers has now agreed to add an additional proposal in the Strategic Plan to undertake an environmental impact assessment on the infill at St. Aubin?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
Yes, I can confirm that both St. Aubin and, indeed, Gorey have been included in the Strategic Plan with a view to making assessments as to their viability for possible reclamation sites.
- Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier :
Returning to La Collette 2 and 3, would the Minister update us on the progress of the
transport studies that are currently being carried out into the traffic impacts of
activities at La Collette and would he give a guarantee that the Parish of St. Helier will be fully consulted as he develops his plans for that area of the Parish?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye:
I am sure that in the Constable's role as Chairman of the St. Helier Regeneration Group he is going to be fully consulted and is probably in a better state of information than possibly the Minister. Yes, as I understand it, as discussions progress thoughts are being turned to the potential road solutions, but they are many and varied and at very much an early stage.
- Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier :
Will the Minister accept my congratulations in adopting JDA (Jersey Democratic Alliance) policy in re-looking at a reclamation site at St. Aubin?
Deputy G.W.J. de Faye: I am flattered. [Laughter]