Raw sewage went in sea, panel told

Thursday 9th July 2009, 2:59PM BST.

Pollution levels at the Bellozanne outfall were 50 times higher than readings at Pontac, Le Hocq and Le Dicq, Scrutiny were told (00696907)

EVIDENCE that ‘raw sewage’ was pumped into the sea last month was given to a Scrutiny panel yesterday.

Shellfish farmer Tony Legg told the panel that officially tested samples taken last month showed that contaminant levels from the Bellozanne outfall were 50 times higher than from all of the sources on the Island’s east coast put together.

‘This was effectively raw sewage,’ he told the Environment Scrutiny panel. The samples were collected by the shellfish farmers on the advice of the Environment Department and then tested by the States analyst.

Mr Legg said that there was now clear evidence that rising levels of e-coli and norovirus contamination in oysters recent years had resulted directly from human effluent. However, he said that there had been ‘consistent denials’ from the authorities as to the source of the pollution.

The Environment Scrutiny panel, chaired by Deputy Phil Rondel, is assessing the work done to protect the marine environment when the new £100 million energy from waste plant at La Collette was in the planning stages.

But it is also taking evidence into the general threats to the Island’s marine environment posed from other sources.

Pollution levels at the Bellozanne outfall were 50 times higher than readings at Pontac, Le Hocq and Le Dicq, Scrutiny were told (00696907)

Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.

1
mistershifter

July 9, 2009 at 3:21 pm

I would also suggest, based on my own recent observation, that sewage is still being pumped into St Aubins bay. I was cycling along the front last week and couldn’t help but notice an abundance of Seagulls around the outlet at First Tower. None of the other outlets had signs of birdlife. This suggests to me they are feeding on something at that particular outflow. Raw or semi-raw sewage.

This can be the only possible answer, and I would like to hear any comments explaining the birds activities other than feeding.

Report abuse
2
Adrian

July 9, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Raw sewage going into Jersey waters? I don’t believe it!

We keep getting told how much better we are than Guernsey and in reality we do the same when it suits. This will go down well with tourism won’t it?

No sewage should be pumped into the marine environment this is pathetic in the 21st century. The sea is not a big dustbin for people and governments to do as they wish with.

Report abuse
3
FUBAR

July 9, 2009 at 5:58 pm

This is because Jersey is overpopulated and our little rock just can’t cope. SNAFU!!

Report abuse
4
truthseeker

July 9, 2009 at 6:09 pm

Summertime, a shortage of tourists,right lads let a load of sh*t into the bay, a bit of Hepatitis c Norovirus, e coli here and there will go down a treat,probably take out a few Hobie catters,and Jet skiers,give the swimmers a real good ear infection and guts ache as they breaststroke serenely amid the condoms and scum…yes lads that’s the way to do it. We can hardly insist or encourage Guernsey to treat theirs on this basis can we.

Report abuse
5
Bob

July 9, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Ahhhh so that’s what’s probably causing the minging green seaweed to cover the beach from st helier to st Aubins… mmm it all makes sense now.

Fair enough I say, what’s the point in payin money to keep the beaches and sea clean, there’s no tourists coming here anymore, so why bother.

Spain’s much cheaper, the weather’s better and the sea is warmer and cleaner.

Keep the Condor Monopoly in place so if anyone even thinks of driving here from France / UK (who knows, they might not like flying the few hours to spain) they’ll be put off by Condor’s rip off monopolised prices.

Good goin Jersey, let’s stick to what we know best – Finance. That’s a sure thing, isn’t it?

– Cue Banjo solo….

Report abuse
6
david brown

July 9, 2009 at 10:35 pm

the truth at last.

Report abuse
7
sean

July 10, 2009 at 12:26 am

don,t swim in that water folks!thank god it,s too cold year round anyway!don,t we blame that stink on the sea lettuce that appears which is not taken away by beach cleaners during the night time like they do in all other coast resorts around the world.? take benidorm beach ,millions visit there ,spotless beach!!!

Report abuse
8
Q

July 10, 2009 at 10:27 am

I find it more worrying that Environment assured the public that there was no threat to health (please see article below) Thankfully Tony Legg went to the trouble of proving them wrong.

However it raises questions – do TTS an environment actually test the water? Do they just turn a blind eye to poisioning the local population? What a drain on resources and damage to the local economy as people have to be treated by the Health services and take time of work not to mention long term health implications.

JEP Article 22nd May, 2009
“Despite revelations earlier this week that inadequately treated material was being discharged into the sea from the Bellozanne sewage treatment works, Environment director Chris Newton insists there is no threat to humun health.
He said that the Transport and Technical Services Department had been officially warned about the discharge of nitrates into St Aubin’s Bay, but said that the warnings related to a build up of sea lettuce rather than any concern about the effects on people.”

Report abuse
9
FUBAR

July 10, 2009 at 7:55 pm

All those responsible should be made to stick thier head up the outfall pipe. Like the guy from surfers against sewage, did many years ago. TAUFU, AS USUAL

Report abuse