More islanders will be offered PFAS blood tests after new research revealed the contamination zone is larger than previously understood – with over 300 properties now falling inside the total area.

The response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Law revealed that 343 residential and commercial properties were identified within the updated contamination zone as of 1 May 2025.

“Further work was required to establish which of these properties were on private water supplies,” the response said.

The Government this week confirmed that any resident in the newly identified plume area who is still using borehole water will be offered blood testing and, if necessary, treatment to reduce the levels of the chemicals in the blood.

This decision comes after an independent study by environment consultancy Arcadis revealed in May that PFAS – so-called “forever chemicals” historically used in firefighting foam at the Airport’s fire training ground – had spread further west through groundwater and streams than earlier assessments had indicated.

Originally thought to be mainly confined to the area in St Peter beneath the runway, the PFAS “plume” has now been found to stretch further across the St Ouen’s Bay and Pont Marquet catchment areas.

The study also revealed that PFAS levels appear to spike following heavy rainfall and de-icing activity on runways – evidence that chemicals are still being flushed into the surrounding environment.

The report – which the Government emphasised provides the most detailed picture to date of the hydrogeological spread of the chemicals – sets out a series of recommendations for containing the pollution, protecting residents, and cleaning up affected areas.

The findings have triggered what officials have also described as the most coordinated response to PFAS contamination in Jersey to date – with the government, Jersey Water, and Ports of Jersey agreeing to take joint responsibility for delivering those actions.

A new steering group, made up of officials from these organisations, has been formed to oversee the response by coordinating testing, water supply changes, and long-term remediation work.

Further testing is already underway, with a new round of sampling this summer covering soil, water, and food.

Environment Minister Steve Luce has “fully accepted the majority of the report’s recommendations” and has “already begun implementing key actions,” according to a statement.

He added: “Where necessary, I am prepared to use regulatory powers to ensure that progress is made at the pace required to protect our environment and public health.”

Sixteen new properties have so far been identified within the expanded plume area.

Fourteen are believed to use private borehole supplies, and testing is being carried out to assess risks. Affected residents are being offered health advice and connections to mains water supply where needed.

The report reads: “Residents of properties in the expanded plume area who are still using borehole supply will be eligible for PFAS blood testing and, if required, treatment interventions.”

Deputy Luce said: “I want to reassure islanders that there is no immediate risk to public health.

“Our public water supply continues to meet EU and UK standards for PFAS levels, and Jersey Water has already taken steps to avoid drawing from impacted sources.”

Health Minister Tom Binet said the report marked a “significant step forward in understanding PFAS exposure” and confirmed his support for “proportionate and evidence-based action” to protect both health and the environment.

He added: “I have recently received the final Report Three from the PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel, which includes recommendations about further blood testing and interventions to lower blood PFAS levels for those affected by the hotspot. This report will be published shortly.”

Jersey Water CEO Helier Smith said the company was supporting the Government’s work and had already started scoping out what would be needed to connect more households to mains water.

He said the utility company was also investigating long-term solutions for removing PFAS from drinking water.

Mr Smith added: “We welcome the government and Ports of Jersey’s focus on Pont Marquet as a first step in their remediation activities. An important part of our supply infrastructure, we are eager for it to be restored.

“Our intention remains to only use this stream source and our St Ouen’s boreholes once the contamination has been resolved.

“However, if the island faces a serious drought, these supplies may be needed but would only be used in conjunction with the desalination plant, to provide a dilution effect, ensuring that we keep our drinking water safe.”

Mr Smith confirmed that the island’s mains water is fully compliant with UK and EU limits for PFAS and said that independent testing showed Jersey Water’s supplies are on average 70% below those thresholds.

He also said the company is looking at a range of water treatment technologies, including granular activated carbon, ion exchange, nano filtration, and reverse osmosis.

Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas said: “We understand and share the concerns of islanders and are committed to working with experts and other stakeholders to address the environmental and health concerns associated with this historic PFAS contamination.”

The Government will hold a public meeting on Wednesday 18 June at 18:00 at St Brelade Parish Hall.

Islanders can view the full Arcadis report and the Government’s response at gov.je/PFAS.