A MOVE to introduce a statutory limit for the level of PFAS in mains water has been defended by the Environment Minister as he rejected calls to withdraw it for further consideration – as States Members prepare to debate the plans this week.
Deputy Steve Luce maintained that his position as regulator “has always been clear” and that he felt “bound” to bring forward the recommendations of the expert panel informing efforts to tackle the presence of the so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in the Island.
His proposition seeks new legislation for a maximum limit of four nanograms per litre of PFAS in drinking water supplied by Jersey Water to be brought in within five years.
The utility company has warned that this could require investment of up to £210 million in a new treatment facility.
Deputy Luce told States Members yesterday that, while Jersey Water “said it might be challenging”, the “indication” had been that the Island’s treatment plants could be fitted out to meet the proposed level – which was recommended by the independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel.
Deputy Luce said: “It’s very disappointing that all the way through this process, the official numbers I’ve had from Jersey Water have indicated that they would work with four nanograms in five years – and the moment I lodged my proposition Jersey Water have been coming out with an alternative proposition.
“It is disappointing that that’s been the case, but the recommendations, the representations, made to the official scientific panel by Jersey Water never changed and the scientific panel’s recommendations is what I have proposed.”
Deputy Lucy Stephenson raised concerns that both Treasury Minister Elaine Millar and Health Minister Tom Binet have proposed amendments to Deputy Luce’s plans, “none of which appear to have been developed in consultation with one another”.
She asked: “Will the minister please provide some clarity about the government’s long-term strategy on this matter, as without it, how does he expect the public to have any confidence in any new legislation or the ability to meet the requirements that it will set?”
Deputy Luce noted: “I’ve said all along that we engaged the scientific panel to do this work for us, and they gave recommendations on the basis of best public health.
“It’s my job as regulator to put forward the recommendations of the scientific panel.
He continued: “I’ve done that in the knowledge that other people, including ministers, including any States Member, may not feel happy about that. But I feel that it is my role to put forward these recommendations.
“If others, regardless of where they come from, seek to amend that, that’s what the States Assembly is for and we will debate the options.”
Deputy Stephenson also asked if Deputy Luce had any intention “to consider withdrawing his proposition pending further collaborative work between ministers, Jersey Water and other stakeholders to find a pragmatic way forward on this important subject”.
The minister replied: “Absolutely not”.
Pointing to “the great differences of views” within the Council of Ministers, Deputy Kristina Moore asked about discussions that had taken place since the draft legislation was published.
Deputy Luce replied: “We’ve had a number of discussions privately and in the Council of Ministers about this, but I reiterate that my position as regulator has always been clear and I was going to put forward the recommendations of the PFAS panel.”
He stressed that the panel’s members “are hugely respected experts in their field”.
“They are dealing here with chemicals and all sorts of stuff which is way beyond my comprehension, and I rely on them entirely to come out with recommendations about safe levels for public health.
“That’s what they’ve done and, as regulator, I’m putting forward those to the Assembly.”
The minister added: “I am perfectly comfortable with the potential for every Member of this Assembly to vote against me, and if that’s what Members want to do, that’s fine – but I see my job as regulator to put forward the recommendations of the panel who we’ve employed.
“As I say, they are global experts in their field and I feel bound to put forward their recommendations to this Assembly.”
