Larger area of water contaminated with chemicals

A new report has found a bigger area of ground water in Jersey is affected by man-made chemicals than previously thought.

The study, conducted by Arcadis Consulting, tested the levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in ground water, surface water, and airport drainage around St Ouen's Bay and Les Quennevais.

The Government of Jersey said the report found the affected area near the airport was "larger than previously understood" and it could take up to 60 years for PFAS levels to reduce to within EU drinking water standards.

The government said there was no immediate risk to the "broader population", because Jersey Water does not take water from these areas for public supply.

The high levels are linked to the historic use of firefighting foam at the airport.

Deputy Steve Luce, the minister for the environment, is to review the findings and produce a full response by 12 June, "including details of how the Government will move remediation options forward".

Luce welcomed the report and said: "PFAS is not just in Jersey, it's everywhere. But we're coming up with scientific, evidence-based solutions to deal with it. There are only a few other jurisdictions around the world who are doing as much as we are.

"We are following the evolving science. We commissioned this report to give us a better understanding of where PFAS is and what we can do about it.

"It is a detailed report on a complex matter and its findings deserve proper consideration."

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