The appointment of AECOM, a multinational firm headquartered in Los Angeles, is the first major step in acting on recommendations made in a 2015 report commissioned by the Environment Department.
The ‘Future-proofing Jersey’ report, written by UK charity The Town and Country Planning Association, stated that ‘Jersey faces a growing challenge from the impacts of climate change and, in particular, the increased frequency and severity of weather events and sea-level rise’.
AECOM will work in partnership with officials from the two new States departments Growth, Housing and Environment and Strategic Policy, Performance and Population.
The objectives of the work, which is due to be completed by November 2019, will be to develop models for flooding in Jersey’s coastal areas, including mapping out parts of the Island that are at particular risk, and to develop policy options and action plans for tackling coastal flooding.
Work to bolster sea defences could affect Islanders whose homes and businesses are located in areas of the shoreline that are susceptible to coastal flooding but a government spokesman has confirmed that AECOM’s findings will be communicated to the public. She also said that ‘there will be consultation along the way to ensure that all views are captured and taken into consideration when planning what happens next’.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister John Young and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis issued a joint statement following the commencement of AECOM’s work.
‘The Future Jersey consultation tells us that adapting to climate change is a concern for the future.
‘The work will help us identify priority actions to make sure our Island is resilient to the risks of flooding and climate change challenges ahead. The information will be used to revise and update key strategic documents such as the Island Plan and sea defence strategy.
‘AECOM bring a wealth of experience of similar projects, and our teams will be working with them and closely involving Islanders in the project.’
When asked about AECOM’s fee for carrying out the work, a government spokesman said the sum was ‘commercially sensitive’ and could not be disclosed.
