New equipment to capture petrol fumes at gas stations and extra air-quality monitoring near the La Collette fuel farm should be introduced to help track and reduce harmful emissions, according to a government-commissioned report.
The 2024 Air Quality in Jersey report, prepared by environmental consultants Ricardo, recommended installing new testing equipment near La Collette to monitor emissions linked to fuel storage.
Published this week, the £3,800 study also suggested the government should introduce vapour-recovery systems at petrol stations to capture emissions released during refuelling and stop them being leaked into the air.
According to the report, these measures would help reduce volatile organic compound emissions – gases that contribute to air pollution and can cause respiratory problems when combined with traffic exhaust.
Ricardo also said Jersey’s air-quality network could be strengthened by replacing older particle monitors with newer, low-cost sensors to provide more accurate readings.
The report found that overall air quality improved last year, with nitrogen dioxide levels having fallen by up to half since 2000.
The Environment Department said the improvement was due to cleaner fuels, more efficient vehicles and a decline in diesel use – but warned that “pollution hotspots” caused by traffic congestion remain, and can “worsen in certain weather conditions.”
Environment Minister Steve Luce said: “This report highlights the continued progress Jersey is making in improving air quality, thanks to long-term monitoring and targeted action.
“We remain committed to building on these results, in line with the objectives set out in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.”