| Committee/Panel: Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel | |
| Launch Date: 19 July 2010 | Close Date: To be advised |
| Submissions Deadline: To be advised | Ministerial Response Date: To be advised |
| Review Status: Review concluded | |
About
The monitoring and regulation of coastal water quality
Terms of reference
This review is being undertaken by the Environment Scrutiny Panel to evaluate:
- the importance of protecting Jersey’s marine environment against pollution, and in particular,
- concerns about marine water quality and the potential effect on Island residents, recreational users and the Island’s fish farming industry of any potential for reduction in water quality, and
- the effectiveness of States monitoring and regulatory activities in protecting the marine environment.
The review will examine the following in respect of the marine environment:
- applicable environmental legislation, including consideration of relevant international standards and any anticipated developments;
- the remit of Environmental Protection, Health Protection, Harbours, Fisheries and Marine Resources, States Veterinary Officer and Transport and Technical Services Department;
- existing and potential sources of pollution
- pollution prevention work undertaken;
- regulatory powers including enforcement activities, procedures for investigation, prosecution and sanctions
- monitoring activities, current testing regimes, planning controls, emergency planning and discharge consents
- laboratory resources and arrangements for analysis of results
- information available to the public on environmental protection and health issues
- resources available for marine environmental monitoring, regulation and protection
- the role of, and engagement with stakeholders.
The review will also:
- investigate the collation and assessment of scientifically based evidence of water quality impacts arising from the sewerage network, other outfalls and discharges from the Fort Regent cavern
- identify and consult where appropriate with stakeholders involved in dealing with any potential impacts of marine pollution on human health, marine eco-systems and aquaculture, and recreational use of beaches and local waters
- consider relevant current organisational structures and departmental responsibilities with respect to policy and operations affecting the marine environment
- compare these to alternative best-practice models of environmental protection and regulation elsewhere
- assess the benefits and resource implications of implementing possible operational or organisational change
The Panel will report its findings to the States.