Jersey's waste treatment solution praised

Jersey's new sewage storage unit which can hold up to two months of solid and liquid waste

Jersey's new sewage treatment works is being hailed both for how it handles waste and also for "protecting the environment".

The £80 million pound facility at Bellozanne opened last December and will now, for the first time, include a storage unit which can hold up to two months supply of solid and liquid waste.

Work started to improve the site in 2019, and many parts of it dated back to the original 1950s construction.

When it opened a year ago, the government called it "state of the art" and a "remarkable piece of engineering".

The new storage shed is the final stage of the project.

It can hold 1,400 tonnes and is especially useful in the winter months because it removes the risk of causing pollution if it was stored on fields.

Once treated, the nutrient-rich waste can be used on crops.

In the past, the solid waste was burnt because it couldn't be stored - reusing it is a greener solution.

Duncan Berry from the infrastructure department said: "Without the sewage treatment works we would have a lot of pollution in St. Aubin's Bay.

"You would probably see fish floating, you would see detritus in the bay. We are very lucky Jersey has invested a significant amount of money in our sewage treatment facilities.

"It's a massive improvement...fit for purpose.. a lot more energy efficient than the old plant and will treat to higher standards."

Odour control

The storage unit has an odour control system to keep emissions low, and is part of the overall upgrade.

Work to improve the pipe system that handles surface water has also been been completed, meaning it will take rainfall that runs off roofs and gutters and doesn't need to be treated, straight out to sea.

Those endorsing the project are now working towards getting as many islanders as possible using the mains sewage system.

"What we have to do now is to get more product here, so connect more people to the mains sewers," current Minister for Infrastructure Andy Jehan said.

"I think there are some areas that will probably never connect because of their rural location but there are many areas that you would expect to be connected that currently aren't, and that's where are focus is going to be in the coming years."