PUBLIC SERVICES wants to draw on islanders’ expertise to help decide the future of sewage and wastewater treatment in Guernsey. About 50 people gathered at a Public Services presentation on Friday to see an outline of the department’s proposals.
Minister Bill Bell thought the meeting had been beneficial for all.
‘Two people said they would give us more information and I look forward to receiving that,’ he said.
‘That’s what it’s about. If the public have some expertise, then we have to latch onto that.
‘We are trying to produce a comprehensive report with as much information as possible available to ensure there is a good debate in the community.
‘We are recommending that there should be further investigations so we can identify the problem and how best to solve it.
‘The worst thing would be to spend £50m. and still have dirty beaches. It is a difficult decision.’
The impact of a waste water facility on shellfish was hotly debated, with marine researcher Richard Lord claiming it was a priority for Guernsey.
‘I understand the States’ financial dilemma, but sewage treatment facilities reflect the sophistication of a society,’ he said.
‘Big cruise ships must have their own tertiary treatment, or they have to dispatch waste 12 miles off the coast. It’s essential for the island because it increases the biodiversity of marine life, among many other things.’
Public Services senior project adviser Colin Gaudion, who gave the presentation, acknowledged the impact on shellfish had been glossed over during the seminar but insisted it had been given full consideration in the report.
‘We are incredibly lucky in Guernsey because we have a distinct natural advantage when it comes to our tides dispersing waste,’ he said.
‘The issue seems to be driven by public opinion more than anything else. In my view, full sewage treatment is desirable but not essential.’
Concerned islander Colin Fallaize asked what message the lack of full treatment in Guernsey sent out to the rest of world.
‘Have all these other countries who have spent money to have waste water treated been conned?’ he asked.
‘I heard the director of public health, Dr David Jeffs, on the radio recently and he said we had to have it. When someone of that level says that about the place I live, I have to take notice.’
Deputy John Gollop said he was disappointed about the turnout at the presentation.
‘I think there were only 10 States members here and four of them were from Public Services. That’s disappointing considering it is such a major issue,’ he said.
‘It’s obvious that sooner or later, Guernsey will have to modernise its sewage treatment and we can’t have a proper well-informed decision until we have leadership.
‘I don’t think anyone has got a real vision of how to deal with it and I’m not sure an expensive survey will help very much either.’
Article posted on 8th October, 2007 - 12.00am
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