SPECIFIC commitments relating to dealing with contamination by so-called “forever chemicals” PFAS have been incorporated into the Common Strategic Policy.
Members voted unanimously in favour of an amendment brought by Deputy Arlene Maltman to insert two references to PFAS into the document spelling out ministerial priorities for the next four years.
PFAS is the collective name for a group of compounds dubbed “forever chemicals” because of their tightly bound structure, which is slow to break down in the environment and living things, including the human body, with links to various health conditions, including cancer and high cholesterol.
With Deputy Maltman unable to take part in the debate due to illness, Deputy Montfort Tadier delivered a speech written by his colleague.
The amendment added a declaration that the government would work to “improve water quality and address environmental contamination, including taking forward the recommendations of the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel”.
A second addition to the CSP covered a commitment to “invest in improving water quality, including ensuring that the recommendations of the PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel are given full and transparent consideration in developing Jersey’s approach to environmental contamination”.
Deputy Maltman’s speech concluded: “We cannot change the environmental legacy we have inherited, but we can decide what legacy we leave behind.
“Let this Assembly and this government show their commitment to future generations, so that they inherit an Island where clean water, healthy land, and a thriving natural environment are more than just aspirations.”
Environment Minister Mary Le Hegarat said ministers were supportive of the amendment, with full consideration being given to the scientific panel’s findings and recommendations as part of the ongoing response to PFAS contamination.
“The panel’s recommendations will give full consideration, and a formal response will then set out where government intends to take action, where further work is needed, and where a different approach may be more appropriate,” she said.
The amendment was adopted with 42 votes in favour and none against.
There was also overwhelming support for an amendment from Deputy Victoria Li to ensure no net loss of publicly accessible open space in St Helier over the coming electoral term.
The representative for St Helier North said that her proposal stemmed from conversations with young Islanders during the election campaign, when a shortage of places to meet up with friends had been one of the main messages that came back.
Those speaking in support of Deputy Li included Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, Housing Minister Malcolm Ferey and St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner, and Members ultimately voted unanimously in favour.
The final amendment was put forward by the Council of Ministers, pledging to strengthen the protection of the Island’s countryside, coastline, marine environment and biodiversity.
Ministers faced criticism for the fact that the environmental pledge commitment had not been part of the original CSP document and instead was added after feedback from the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny panel.
The CSP was ultimately adopted as amended.
