The Government has pledged to introduce stricter PFAS regulations and invest in treatment technology to remove all traces of the so-called “forever chemicals” from Jersey’s water supply.

The commitment comes after a petition calling for a Government-funded treatment plant gained nearly 1,300 signatures.

The petition, launched by former Deputy Paul Le Claire, also urged Ministers to adopt international best practices for regulating PFAS and set up healthcare services for testing and treatment.

Mr Le Claire also pointed to a multi-million dollar treatment plant in the north of Australia as a potential model solution for keeping Jersey’s PFAS levels in check in future. 

“International models, like Australia’s $30m treatment plant in Katherine, provide effective solutions to mitigate contamination,” he said.

Responding to the petition, Environment Minister Steve Luce confirmed the Government is looking at similar technologies. 

He said: “Reviewing international regulatory standards and treatment technologies helps inform our approach and ensure it is appropriate for the water management systems operated in Jersey.

“The example of Australia’s $30m treatment plant in Katherine is a valuable model, and we are considering similar solutions to mitigate contamination effectively.”

deputy steve luce stands with corbiere lighthouse and dark clouds in background
Pictured: Environment Minister Steve Luce said the example of Australia’s $30m treatment plant in Katherine is a “valuable model”.

Deputy Luce also announced that Jersey will introduce its own PFAS regulations later this year.

“I meet regularly with Jersey Water, who are committed to implementing treatment technology to reduce PFAS and nitrates in our water supply,” he said.

“Jersey Water has undertaken significant work reviewing the options.

“I am confident that when I bring forward a Jersey Regulatory standard for PFAS later this year, Jersey Water will be in an advanced position to implement treatment in their two water plants.”

Pictured: Firefighting foam that contained a potentially harmful chemical penetrated private borehole water supplies in St Ouen after it was used by Airport firefighters.

PFAS – known as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break – have been linked to health risks including elevated cholesterol, and kidney and testicular cancers.

While Jersey Water’s latest report confirmed that 99.95% of mains water samples meet current EU and UK regulatory standards, chemicals can be found in higher concentrations in some parts of the island. 

The principal source of contamination in these areas was a type of PFAS used in firefighting foam at the airport until the 1990s. 

That foam, which was sprayed for years, seeped into the ground and contaminated private water supplies in the area below the runway.

Pictured: Sarah Simon believes her own health has been impacted by drinking water contaminated by PFAS.

Concerns over the exposure were first raised by Sarah Simon, an islander living in the polluted area suffering from skin, thyroid, and autoimmune issues. 

She felt PFAS was to blame for her health conditions, and, after testing her own blood, Sarah found high levels of the chemical in her body. 

Health Minister Tom Binet has announced the government will create a “clinical review service” to assess health impacts and offer possible treatments for residents like Sarah.

Pictured: PFAS was used in the manufacture of many products because of its ability to repel heat, oil and water.

Deputy Binet said: “These reviews will provide comprehensive health assessments and potential interventions for those affected.”

He added that training will be provided for healthcare workers about PFAS later this year. 

The Health Minister explained that a panel of experts is already investigating ways to lower PFAS levels in the blood, with preliminary research indicating that the most effective option appears to be cholesterol-lowering medication.

In a recent Bailiwick Podcasts episode, Dr Steve Hajioff, chair of the PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel, discussed why these persistent chemicals have become a global issue and how Jersey is responding.

With nearly 40 years of medical experience, including work with the World Health Organisation, he believes Jersey has a chance to lead the way in setting tougher PFAS regulations.

Pictured: Steve Hajioff is chair of the independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel.

Dr Hajioff said: “We’ve already had preliminary discussions with Jersey Water, ministers, and other stakeholders, and there’s been no pushback [to the idea of aiming for higher standards].”

Rather than waiting for international regulations to change, he suggested Jersey should anticipate future targets and implement them now.

“We’re dealing with a moving target,” he said.

“It makes sense to aim for where international standards will be in five or ten years, rather than having to redo it later.”

LISTEN…

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