This week the JEP reported on large patches of brown discolouration that had been spotted in the bay. The government moved to reassure people that the sewage plant that sends treated waste to the sea via the outflow was operating well and as normal, producing clear effluent which sometimes, when mixed with saline waters, turns brown.
Then 24 hours later, on Wednesday, the public were warned to avoid the whole of St Aubin’s Bay following a major slurry spill in Fern Valley. A spokeswoman for the government has said that there is no link between the two.
Wednesday’s slurry spill has sparked an investigation into a potential breach of the Water Pollution Law 2000, with the spill first reported by a call to Jersey Water.
Staff in the Environmental Health department said the quality of the water would be monitored and the beach would only be reopened when there is no public risk.
The JEP has asked the government for an updated statement on the state of the beach.
Announcing the investigation and warning people to stay away from the whole beach, assistant director of Environmental Health Caroline Maffia said: ‘Officers from Environmental Health are working with colleagues to investigate this spillage, which we believe originated in the Fern Valley area, and flowed into the sea at First Tower.
‘While I understand the advice to not use the beach may be disappointing for many – especially given the hot weather forecast over the next few days – I’d ask Islanders to be patient while the tide dilutes and removes the slurry over the next few days.’
The spillage caused damage to land belonging to the National Trust for Jersey at Fern Valley, with a member of staff saying it was unfortunate it had to close, as so many people were using it recently.
