Untreated sewage and open burning of waste on Sark

The Douzaine said it was considering moving the incineration and burning facility from Harbour Quarry to Les Lâches

There are ongoing issues with untreated sewage discharges and the open burning of waste on Sark.

In the agenda for the meeting of the Chief Pleas on 2 October chairman of the Douzaine, Conseiller Chris Bateson, reported two sewage tanks had been repaired which would "end or at least reduce" the amount of sewage discharged, but further works were required.

He also requested Chief Pleas to advise on whether an incinerator could be replaced or the practice of open burning domestic waste would continue.

Bateson also reported the Douzaine is considering moving the incineration and burning facility from Harbour Quarry to Les Lâches.

Untreated sewage discharges

Bateson explained untreated sewage had been regularly discharged from the plant at Les Lâches.

He added the expense of a new bespoke installation recommended in 2023 to address the problem would have come at an "unrealistic cost".

Two tanks have been repaired and are now working again, which would "bring an end to, or at least reduce the discharge of untreated effluent", Bateson said.

The next steps towards bringing the remaining sewage treatment back on-line would depend on available funding, he explained.

Open burning of waste

The issue of the open burning of waste at Harbour Quarry is also on the agenda.

Only one of Sark's two incinerators was in working order but it needed repair and was coming to the end of its useful life, Bateson reported.

Due to the increased volume of burnable domestic waste generated on the island, especially during the tourist season, the Douzaine said it has been looking at a possible replacement system.

Before committing any island funds it has asked Chief Pleas whether it should buy a replacement incinerator, or if it should continue with open burning.

Relocation of facility

The Douzaine is also considering whether to move the incineration and burning facility from the quarry to Les Lâches, the only location considered suitable.

Bateson said no decision had been taken and no plans drawn up, and the Douzaine would welcome any comments on the subject.