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Planning and Environment Department
Environment Division
Howard Davis Farm, La Route de la Trinite Trinity , Jersey, JE3 5JP
Tel: +44 (0)1534 441600
Fax: +44 (0)1534 441601
Andy Tully
Defra
Wildlife, Habitats and Biodiversity Division Zone 1/06
2 The Square, Temple Quay
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6EB
13 February 2009
Our ref: ED\10\28
Dear Andy
New Energy from Waste Plant, La Collette, St Helier, Jersey
I am aware that both Defra and the Ramsar Secretariat are receiving calls about this construction project. I would like to set out the position of the States of Jersey for your benefit and for that of the Ramsar Secretariat who I would like you to forward this letter to.
The island is replacing its ageing incinerator, located in Bellozanne valley St Helier, with a modern facility that will be fully compliant with the emission limits of the EU Waste Incineration Directive. This will be built on existing reclaimed land at La Collette, St Helier which is adjacent to the south east coast Ramsar site.
The proposal to build this plant was subject to full Environmental Impact and Health Impact Assessments. No adverse impacts on the ecology of the Ramsar site were identified, and consequently the application was approved by the Planning Minister in 2008. The plant is now under construction.
Because the EIA process did not identify any adverse impacts to the ecology of the Ramsar site, it was concluded that no notification was necessary under Article 3.2 of the Convention.
With respect to the potential impacts of the plant on the adjacent Ramsar site, I would offer the following brief observations.
Run-off during construction phase
Discharges to controlled waters are controlled under the Water Pollution laws. Working methods will be specified and agreed to prevent any polluting material entering the sea.
Disposing of solid waste created by the plant
All waste disposal from the plant of its ash by-products will be regulated under the Waste Law with rigorous conditions set to prevent pollution entering the sea.
Emissions to air falling out over the site
The plant will comply with EU Waste Incineration Directive emission limit standards, a massive improvement on the current position.
Some of these emissions will fall on the intertidal area that comprises the Ramsar site. However, it is not considered probable that this will give rise to noticeable impacts on the ecology of the marine system, particularly when the massive dilutions involved and the flushing /exchange rates experienced in the receiving water are considered. Concentrations of metals in the receiving waters will be some three orders of magnitude lower than any level of concern, even making worst case assumptions.
The warm water discharge
Warm water will be generated as part of the process of converting the heat from the plant to electricity. This will be discharged through the existing JEC culvert (there is a power station next to the site of the EFW which is no longer in routine operation). It is of much less magnitude than that already produced by the operation of the power station. It will not cause any significant change to the ecology of the Ramsar site.
The Environmental Statement is a large document in several volumes. It has 19 chapters and 11 appendices. If either Defra or the Ramsar Secretariat would like a copy, I will be happy to supply this on a CD.
The protection of Jersey's internationally important wetland sites is matter of great importance. Islanders are proud of the designation and respect of the special nature of our protected wetlands. The further designation of our offshore reefs emphasises our continuing commitment.
The States recently adopted the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy and we have appointed a full time marine scientist to act as project officer. One of the priority tasks identified by the ICZM strategy is to prepare formal management plans for our Ramsar sites.
Three years ago, we created an educational facility and visitor centre at the seaward end of Gorey Pier. This has allowed us to explain the significance of the Ramsar site to thousands of visitors and school parties each year. There is also an active programme of guided walks which go out into the Ramsar area to explore the intertidal eco-systems.
I trust this note gives an adequate description of the way in which Jersey has handled this project.
Yours sincerely
Chris Newton
Director of Environment
direct dial: +44 (0)1534 441610 email:c.newton@gov.je www.gov.je