Triathlon under threat amid sea sewage concerns

Thursday 15 June 2023

The Jersey Triathlon due to take place this weekend is under threat due to sewage which has not been treated to usual standards flowing out into St. Aubin's Bay.

Officials raised the alarm last night that they were concerned about the quality of the water in the area, where the Sewage Treatment Works from Bellozanne discharges.

This was said to be the result of a combination of "environmental and biological" factors – including warm weather and little rainfall – which had affected the output of the sewage treatment plant, which recently underwent a multi-million upgrade.

Samples taken from the water are now being analysed to establish what bacteria levels are present, and whether it's safe to swim in.

In the meantime, swimmers are being advised to keep out of St. Aubin's Bay – a warning that may have an impact on the Jersey Triathlon, whose swimming element was supposed to be taking place in the bay this weekend.

Here's what we know so far...

Why does the Government say this has happened?

"We believe it's a series of factors, all happening at the same time, that have contributed to the discharge not being at the standard we'd like," Infrastructure and Environment Chief Officer, Andy Scate, said.

"Higher-than-normal ammonia levels are entering the Sewage Treatment Works, and there are low flows through the facility because of reduced surface water.

"Along with this, an over-effective initial stage means there's a reduced concentration of organic matter that the bacteria require to function properly in the plant. This causes a reduced biological activity which affects the quality of the final discharge."

What is being done?

Tests of the water have been taken and the Government is awaiting the results to find out the level of bacteria across the bay.

Further testing is happening today.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet said "officers at the STW are working on a number of potential solutions, and are speaking frequently with the Environmental and Consumer Protection team in the Regulation Directorate".

How dangerous is the water?

Swimmers are being asked to stay well away.

"We aren't necessarily declaring that it's dangerous to swim in the area, but we also cannot guarantee that there's not an increased risk to swimming there," said Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf.

Pictured: Dolphins spotted in St. Aubin's Bay just weeks ago.

Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet said he was "keen to reassure islanders that this is far from being raw sewage going out into the sea. It has been through the system and treated, but the output isn't at the levels we'd want to see."

No information has been provided on potential impact to sealife in the area.

What is the knock-on for the Jersey Triathlon?

The Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, said the Government had been in touch with the organisers, but that no decisions had been made yet.

"We'll be keeping in regular contact with them as we get more test results through and learn more about the situation," she said.

I went swimming there recently... what should I do?

Anyone who has been swimming in the area and starts to feel unwell or has health concerns is being advised to speak to a GP. 

Environmental and Consumer Protection switchboard is also open for public health advice each weekday on 01534 445 808.

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