Efforts to study, test and mitigate levels of PFAS in Jersey will cost the Government around £800,000 this year, it has emerged.

Health Minister Tom Binet confirmed the 2025 figure during a public meeting at St Brelade’s Parish Hall yesterday, where officials outlined the Government’s ongoing response to the latest findings on contamination of the so-called “forever chemical”.

The meeting followed the release of a report in May by independent consultancy Arcadis, which revealed that PFAS used in historical firefighting foam at the Airport training ground had spread further west through groundwater and streams than earlier assessments had indicated.

The “plume” area, now understood to be larger than earlier assessments showed, stretches across St Ouen’s Bay and the Pont Marquet catchment areas.

The total contaminated area now covers 343 properties – including businesses and fields.

Further blood testing will be funded for islanders living in the expanded area outlined in Arcadis’ updated hydrogeological map, the Health Minister confirmed.

The Government also stated that individual health advice and testing by Jersey Water is under way for properties that are not connected to mains water or use boreholes.

A joint steering group has been launched, involving Government, Jersey Water and Ports of Jersey, to oversee the response, including any changes to water supply and plans for long-term remediation work.

The outcome and cost of further mitigation efforts will depend on the findings of two upcoming Arcadis reports: the first, due in August, will focus on drinking water; the second, in December, will examine soil, food and waste contamination.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by Jersey Water CEO Helier Smith, Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas, Public Health Director Peter Bradley, and Environment Minister Steve Luce.

It was chaired by Kelly Whitehead, the Government’s group director for regulation.

An online meeting with the PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel is scheduled for Thursday 26 June.

Islanders can access the full Arcadis report and Government response at gov.je/PFAS.