Common Strategic Policy 2026 – 2030 (P.75/2026): eleventh amendment (P.75/2026 Amd.(11)) – comments
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2026 P.75 Amd.(11) Com.
COMMENTS
The Council of Ministers recognises the importance of protecting and enhancing Jersey's water quality and addressing environmental contamination. These objectives are fully shared by Ministers. However, Ministers are unable to support this amendment.
The Government is already undertaking a substantial programme of work in response to PFAS contamination in Jersey. This includes environmental monitoring and investigation, regulatory activity, ongoing scientific assessment, and the treatment trials currently being conducted by Jersey Water. This work continues to be informed by the findings and recommendations of the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel and reflects a considered, evidence-based approach to managing a complex and evolving environmental challenge.
The Government remains committed to responding to PFAS contamination in a manner that is proportionate, scientifically robust and targeted towards achieving the best outcomes for Islanders and the environment. This approach ensures that policy and investment decisions are guided by the available evidence and informed by a clear understanding of the technical, operational and financial implications of potential interventions.
The Scientific Advisory Panel has made 31 recommendations covering a broad range of matters, including drinking water supplies, private boreholes, food production, land management, environmental remediation, monitoring arrangements, waste treatment and PFAS destruction technologies. While many of these recommendations merit detailed consideration, a number raise significant practical, technical, regulatory and financial issues that require further assessment before Ministers can determine an appropriate course of action.
In particular, recommendations relating to drinking water treatment and standards are closely linked to the outcome of ongoing treatment trials and associated scientific analysis. It would therefore be premature to reach conclusions on their implementation before that work has been completed and evaluated.
Ministers have commenced detailed consideration of the Panel's findings and a formal Government response to the Panel's Report 4 is being prepared for publication during the first quarter of 2027. That response will set out the Government's position on the recommendations in a comprehensive and coherent manner, following proper evaluation of the evidence and the implications for Jersey.
Pending completion of this work, incorporating a commitment to implement recommendations within the Common Strategic Policy at this stage would therefore be premature and risk pre-empting the rigorous assessment and decision-making process that is currently under way, as well as the publication of the Government's formal response.
For these reasons, while supporting the overarching objective of improving water quality and addressing environmental contamination, the Council of Ministers does not support this amendment and asks Members to reject it.
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P.75/2026 Amd.(11) Com.