EFW plant share still on the table

THE prospect of sharing a waste facility with Jersey remains a possibility following talks between the islands. Guernsey's Environment Department met its Jersey counterpart in what was described as a positive meeting.

It is currently exploring options for waste disposal after the States chose to back its recommendations in May not to proceed with the planned incinerator following the Panel of Inquiry report.

Jersey is looking to replace its ageing Bellozane plant.

'Much of our discussion focussed on areas where we can assist each other,' said Environment minister Bernard Flouquet.

'The idea of a joint energy-from-waste facility, for example, is one that is still on the table, but one that needs a considerable amount of further research before we know whether it's a workable solution.'

The islands commissioned a joint report on the topic that suggested minor financial savings could be made by sharing a facility, but there are disadvantages.

'It's certainly not straightforward: a joint facility will only be practical if it meets a number of operational, environmental, legal and, not least, financial criteria,' added Deputy Flouquet.

'But both parties are committed to fully exploring the issue ' if a joint facility is the right answer for both islands, we'll make sure it happens.'

Jersey's Environment and Public Services Committee president Senator Philip Ozouf said it was a very good meeting.

'One of its aims was to look at ways in which two small neighbouring communities could combine their knowledge and resources to work towards practical solutions because both islands face very similar challenges,' he added.

'In line with all Western communities, the amount of waste generated is increasing, yet the land and financial resources we have to deal with the problem are limited.'

An undertaking has been made to share good ideas and to continue working closely in areas where a joint approach is beneficial, he said.

During July's Jersey states meeting an amendment that would have made a shared plant more feasible was withdrawn by Deputy Ben Fox.

At the time he was assured his suggestion to site any new plant near St Helier Harbour would be discussed by the committee.