THE scale of PFAS contamination within water catchments adjacent to Jersey Airport – stemming from the historical use of firefighting foams containing the so-called “forever chemicals”– has been laid bare in a new report.
But the government has sought to reassure Islanders that there is “no immediate risk to the health of the broader population”, noting that the public water supply meets EU and UK standards for PFAS levels in drinking water.
Environmental consultancy Arcadis was commissioned by the government to produce an independent hydrogeological risk assessment report, which cost £188,174 with a further £104,689 being spent on lab analysis costs.
Four quarterly monitoring visits were undertaken by the government’s Natural Environment Department and Arcadis between July 2023 and May 2024, which included sampling of groundwater, surface water and airport drainage outfalls.
Released yesterday, the report documents a PFAS “fingerprint” across the St Ouen’s Bay area and Pont Marquet catchments.
It stated that this was apparent in both ground and surface water as well as outfalls.
It described the Airport’s fire training ground as the “primary source area”, but also outlined a number of locations across both catchments where PFAS concentrations exceeded UK and EU drinking water guidelines and environmental quality standards.
Potential remediation options were analysed, including a “do nothing” scenario – where it was estimated that it could take until between 2050 and 2082 for PFAS levels to reduce to within EU drinking water criteria without intervention.
“It was considered that a combination of source, pathway and drinking water management options are likely to be required,” the report stated.
A range of recommendations were also provided, suggesting the study be reviewed by government in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to agree a structured process and schedule for further assessments, including the development of a remediation strategy.
In a statement issued alongside the report, the government acknowledged that the extent of affected groundwater near the Airport – the “plume area” – was larger than previously understood, but stated that there was “no immediate risk to the health of the broader population”.
“The public water supply meets EU and UK standards for PFAS levels in drinking water,” the statement continued.
“Steps have already been taken to minimise the impact on the public water supply.
“Jersey Water no longer draws from impacted water resources in the catchments of St Ouen’s Bay and upper Pont Marquet.
“Properties supplied by boreholes affected by the hot spot area were offered connections to the main supply to prevent further exposure.”
Earlier this year, Jersey Water said that it was looking at “several” PFAS treatment methods and would “work closely” with the government to determine the best option – and how it would be funded.
Environment Minister Steve Luce will now review the Arcadis findings and recommendations, with additional testing and monitoring due to take place this summer to ensure the government continues to monitor PFAS from and around the airport site.
“The Minister is setting up a PFAS Steering Group to review the Arcadis report, advise on the government’s full response and help develop a PFAS remediation strategy,” the government statement added.
It explained that the group would bring together experts from the government, Ports of Jersey and Jersey Water.
Deputy Luce said: “I want to thank Arcadis for this detailed and thorough report, which will help us chart the best way forward.
“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.”
Deputy Luce continued: “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.
“I will carefully review it and respond more fully, with details of how we plan to move forwards, on 12 June.”
Have you been impacted by PFAS?
The government has said that officers are now identifying if any further properties are drawing water from boreholes in the updated plume area.
They will contact the home or landowners of any impacted properties and provide individual environmental health advice.
Islanders who believe their property may be impacted can email regulationenquiries@gov.je
