Sewage protest could be harmful to economy

DAMAGE could have been done to Guernsey's tourist industry after public demonstrations yesterday revealing the States' lack of progress over a sewage treatment system were held at UK ports. Kitted out in wet suits, surfboard-carrying campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage confronted Guernsey-bound Condor Ferries passengers at Weymouth and Poole docks claiming that at least 4m. gallons of raw sewage and wastewater was discharged each day from the Belle Greve treatment plant.

But a spokesman for Commerce and Employment said the protest was misguided and could do more harm than good.

'Sewage treatment is due to be debated by the States and such actions by Surfers against Sewage, at this time, are potentially harmful to the Guernsey visitor economy,' he said.

But the protesters were determined, carrying placards and a 12 ft. inflatable to prove their point.

'Celebrating the sea by using it as a dustbin does not match up with us,' said SAS campaign director Richard Hardy.

'Many of the people driving their cars this morning were surprised to learn the situation about the lack of sewage treatment in Guernsey.

'I think we were very well received.'

The group has been campaigning for years for the island to open a full sewage-treatment plant.

It said studies show the discharge at Belle Greve creates a plume that moves anti-clockwise around the island with tidal flow.

Bacteria and viruses can survive in the effluent plume for many days, sometimes weeks, which the group said was a 'huge health threat' to anyone bathing or using the sea for sport.

Mr Hardy said the demonstration had been a one-off day of action in conjunction with the start of the Guernsey Regatta.

'We have a high level of support from islanders and we want the States to make a decision on sewage treatment soon,' he said.

He compared Guernsey's current disposal methods to those of Victorian times - pumping sewage to sea through a long outfall and letting nature take its course.

'Unfortunately, nature does not easily break down the 100 different types of human viruses that can be found in sewage, with some choosing to survive in seawater for several months at a time,' said Mr Hardy.

'During this time they could latch on to the unsuspecting water user, making them ill.'

A Commerce and Employment spokesman said: 'While the way forward on sewage treatment is being evaluated, it is important to note that the Good Beach Guide 2007 awarded 12 beaches surveyed in Guernsey with water quality standards.

'The standards are awarded on the basis of excellent water quality and are tough to achieve. Four of Guernsey's beaches achieved the highest-level award.

'Commerce and Employment regrets that Surfers against Sewage have felt the need to lobby Guernsey tourists in Weymouth and Poole as part of their ongoing campaign.

'The department has given the matter of future sewerage and waste-water treatment careful consideration and has submitted a response to the Public Services Department, who are currently undertaking a consultative exercise.'