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WQ.386/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON TUESDAY 28thSEPTEMBER 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 5th OCTOBER 2021
Question
Following the return of schools, will the Minister advise what monitoring of air quality, if any, is being undertaken around schools at drop-off and pick-up times?
Answer
I would like to reference previous responses in Oral Question 91/2021 and Written Question 12/2021. In particular, highlight my comments regarding what the experts call a sandbox project. I understand this as being new technology and it is dependent on the sensors communicating correctly, analysing the data and then having a U.K. (United Kingdom) academic institute to assure the data accuracy.
These steps are totally within the control of the supplier. Unfortunately, they have not been able to bring the resources over to Jersey to attend to the essential maintenance to date following Covid restrictions, so most units are experiencing communication issues.
Therefore, of the forty-six real time air quality monitors which have been distributed to schools and educational establishments, only two were correctly transmitting data as of the end of last week. These units are designed to transmit real-time data which would include drop-off and pick-up times.
Significant work is still required by the supplier before the data is processed and calibrated through machine learning and comparison made with existing equipment. The network across the Island now totals fifty-eight monitors.
Whilst I appreciate that this is disappointing, I would like to reiterate that Government has not paid for this equipment, it is owned by the supplier. Technology is moving at pace so we will need to evaluate the outputs from these units when the supplier is able to demonstrate accuracy and durability versus other options before taking any next steps. If an alternative scheme is required, I have asked that officers research alternatives and consider any associated financial implications recognising that there is currently no funding allocated to this work.