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2.10 Deputy K.C. Lewis of the Chief Minister regarding the impact of Guernsey's sewage disposal system on Jersey:
Further to reports that Guernsey has no intention of modifying its sewage disposal system and will continue to pump raw sewage into the sea, will the Chief Minister agree to discuss this matter with his opposite number in Guernsey to ensure that this will not impact negatively on Jersey?
Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):
This has been, I have to say, informally discussed with the Chief Minister of Guernsey on more than one occasion over the years but the discharges of untreated sewage from Guernsey - undesirable as they may be - do not affect the waters around Jersey due to the very strong tidal circulations that exist around our respective Islands. Nor is there any foreseeable international issue for Jersey arising from this.
- Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I feel differently regarding the Bay of Grouville , however, although Jersey's sewerage treatment is
excellent, there is always room for improvement. If sufficient funds were made available to Transport and Technical Services, the outflow pipes could be extended further out to sea. This
could eliminate at least 85 per cent of the bright green seaweed on our beaches and would benefit
locals and tourists alike. Does the Chief Minister not agree?
Senator F.H. Walker :
I do not have the technical expertise to answer that question at all. What I think we should do though here is celebrate the investment that we in Jersey have made in sewage treatment as opposed to our near neighbours. We are very close to being world leaders for small communities here and we should not overlook that fact.
- Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Absolutely. Transport and Technical Services should be congratulated on that part. It is not the bacterial line I was looking for. It is more the nitrates which feed the algae on the beach and there is room for improvement there. We are excellent but there is always room for improvement. Does the Minister not agree?
Senator F.H. Walker :
There is always room for improvement in anything, but as I said, I am not technically informed enough to answer such questions. I would suggest that the Deputy takes them up directly with the Transport and Technical Services Department.