PUBLIC Services was ‘premature’ in identifying sites for a sewage treatment plant before studies have taken place. In its report on the options for sewage treatment the department has pinpointed six possible locations and commented on them.

But the Environment Department does not believe this should have been done before a full environmental impact assessment had taken place.

Public Services is recommending a five-year marine study is carried out for £650,000 before any decision is made on building a plant, but is likely to face opposition to its proposals.

‘There is clearly a perception that a significant proportion of Guernsey’s bathing waters, including west coast bays, are affected by the sewage outfalls and that, therefore, to protect Guernsey’s bathing water quality and to ensure compliance with the European directives, it is necessary to treat the sewage prior to discharge,’ said Environment minister David De Lisle in a letter attached to the report.

‘In this respect, the Environment Department supports the proposals to establish hard facts on which subsequent decisions can be taken.’

It backed the marine survey, which will also look at other possible pollution factors such as surface run-off.

This survey was the first stage in a full environmental impact assessment that would be needed to identify a site for any plant, he added.

It would assess things such as hydrology, topography and landscape, applying filters to select the best location.

‘The department believes it is premature to identify and partially evaluate within the States report selected sites,’ said Deputy De Lisle.