Surfers Against Sewage protesting in Town earlier this year.
SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE is again urging the States to agree to full treatment of effluent.
The campaign group is concerned that if the States, which is meeting this week, does not agree on plans in the coming months, the issue could remain undecided for years.
This summer saw beaches on the east and west coasts closed because of sewage and SAS has released aerial images showing the extent of that pollution. The group also pointed out that such a sight would have left a lasting impression on tourists.
‘It’s vital that discussions this week and for the remainder of the year help set in motion a full sewage treatment policy,’ said group campaign manager Andy Cummins.
‘We believe the introduction of a waste-water charge would allow sewage treatment to be fast-tracked and not consigned to the holding bay that is the “Guernsey Tomorrow” project. Sewage treatment is one of those decisions that can’t be put off for tomorrow.’
Guernsey Tomorrow was launched by the Policy Council’s Strategic Land Planning Group to prioritise how islanders inhabit and use the island’s space, setting the direction for the Environment Department’s urban and rural area plans.
SAS is concerned about the limited improvements and the timetable to which Public Services is working.
The department is this week asking the States for £3m. to fund refurbishment of the main Belle Greve pumping station and develop plans for outfall renovation.
That would not be completed until autumn next year, which the group says could cause more pollution incidents. In total, all work to the outfall will cost £17m.
SAS believes the waste-water charge proposed by Public Services is needed to allow for investment in sewage treatment.
In October 2007, that was approved in principle by the States. A final decision, it feels, should be made at next month’s meeting but the issue is scheduled for debate in January.
In the House Pages 30 & 31
Article posted on 27th November, 2008 - 11.30am
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