A PATH forward for sewage treatment is set to be unveiled - but it would hit islanders in the pocket.
Public Services aims to go to the States in January with a report on introducing a waste-water charge to fund maintenance of the sewage network.
But in a surprise move, it wants to go further and raise enough money to lay the groundwork over the next few years for full sewage treatment.
That was left in limbo by the last House, which rejected two possible ways forward because of the cost involved.
Public Services minister Bernard Flouquet (pictured) is keen to get a resolution - it is now more than a decade since the States committed itself to sewage treatment.
The department went to the States in October 2007 for in-principle approval of a waste-water charge to cover running costs of around £2.4m.It would have worked out at about £100 a year for the average household.
‘I decided with my board to reconsider that report and take it back to the States with a process for an additional charge that would enable us to secure future funds to go forward in the first instance with the necessary surveys for a liquid waste solution,’ said Deputy Flouquet.
‘The purpose of this is to see whether the States are supportive of that route or they believe the current procedure, pumping our waste through the long sea outfall into the Russel, is acceptable. We believe that’s a debate that’s now necessary and the States need to make a positive decision one way or another.’
Pressure group Surfers Against Sewage has conducted a high-profile campaign against the island because of the lack of full treatment.
The issue has also been highlighted on national TV.
‘My view is that the States has lost the argument and it’s necessary for us as a community to find some end solution for liquid waste other than pumping it untreated into the sea,’ said Deputy Flouquet.
‘I would hope, if the States support the proposals, that we’d at least have the foundation to go forward by the end of this term - all the necessary surveys, the planning inquiry and the environmental impact.’
Article posted on 19th November, 2008 - 2.29pm
10 Article Comments
We are well noted for our excellent quality fish stocks! What would be the consequence to these if we took sewage away from their diet? I have absolutely no problem with our current practice however I would like to see the outfall pipe further out o sea and moved elsewhere!
Report abuse
Will be interesting to see if Guernsey homeowners are willing to put their money where their mouths are.
Its fair in principle to introduce a charge as any new wastewater infrastructure will require increased taxes.
I would suggest the costs would have to be based on the size of your house though - surely a 5 bed house has the potential for more sewage production than a 1 bed flat.
Yes its more red tape but as a 3 bed homeowner, I wouldn’t be happy paying the same sewage rate as Belvedere House!!
Report abuse
Great view there Paul, push the problem on to someone else to deal with…. Come on people of Guernsey its about time we sort this out once and for all and stop chucking our waste into the sea!
Report abuse
Sam
Read over what I have written and comment again!
Report abuse
Yes paul I did and note that you would like to see the outfall pipe further out to sea which would push our sewage on to someone else… And I’m sure that the fish can survive without chumping down on our sewage, would you rather keep it as it is and have the possiblity of the same fiasco that happened last summer reoccur? Have you been swiming in Belle Grave lately? I recently went windsurfing there as thought it would be a great spot but due to the sewage I currently have viral conjunctivitis….
Report abuse
Sam
The very fact that you went windsurfing at this place says it all about you really. Have I been swimming there recently? No cos I have a lot more sense thanks! If I wish to wash my face I use the sink. My toilet is only used as that!
With reference to your bit about the same fiasco happening again! I believe this has been ironed out and the planning process already highlighted the possibility that it could happen. It was a case that it presented itself before limitations could be put in place.
Whilst I am not claiming to be a marine biologist I can say that the quality of our fish speak for themselves. The ocean is the largest sewage treatment facility known to man. It is free and I did make it clear that other factors need to be looked into before we waste massive amounts to treat a problem which in my opinion is not really there.
Whilst I agree that what we are doing is not ideal. I don’t feel the answer lies with just chucking money at it! If we get it wrong then what will the consequences be to the bigger picture as well as yet many more wasted millions which we haven’t got?
You claim that you are sure that our fish could survive without chumping down on our sewage? Any chance in you qualifying this point at all? It is quite possible that our waters would be so scarce of food that our fish stocks would move elsewhere in order for their own survival. As for your viral conjunctivitis. Was is wise to windsurf at this location then?
Report abuse
Guernsey has to do its bit.Can you imagine what Guernsey’s would be living in if all the counties bordering the English Channel dumped their untreated sewage into the sea.It would have to be re-named The Sewage Canal!Now I don’t live in Guernsey (born here though),holiday here every year,have lots of lovely friends who love the sea,it would be cheap at 100 pounds per head to clean up the waters and beaches,and to improve everyones health,and I would gladly write you a cheque for my 100 pounds.And think ahead,if the Finance World goes bust,then you’ll have a job to entice holiday makers when they know of the filth that goes into the water you want ‘em to swim in!
Report abuse
72 comments and counting on a golliwog joke and only 6 on something that is important to the island as a whole….i rest my case…
Report abuse
Paul
Our untreated sewage and domestic waste does not make our fish fat and tasty. Let’s get rid of this myth. Pollution caused by humans needs to be mitigated by humans. Expecting the ecosystem to cope with ever non-natural effluent is an ignorant stance.
Tell me how bleach is beneficial to the natural order? Now, before the do-nothings bleat on about how many solutions don’t tackle chemical waste, what about spending money in order that it does? The technology is there, take responsibility.
We’re happy to spend taxpayers money on subsidising the wealty, why not our environment?
Report abuse
Guernsey needs to be put on the world stage as the abuser of their own place in a confined Ocean area shared by many other more responsable and moral people on the near by shores. When it becomes clear that the tourist trade and the Islands reputation will decline due to this well deserved publicity to a tune of far more that 100 pounds a year, action will be taken.Its time for revolution, not more faffing around as the sewage pours into the sea.
Report abuse