Les Vardes could be looked at as dump for building waste

Only waste that is biologically and chemically unreactive, which tends to take an extremely long time to decompose, would be disposed of there.

Longue Hougue is currently the site for inert waste disposal, stretching over an area the size of 15 football pitches.

Some 50,000 tonnes of inert waste is disposed of each year and it is estimated the site will be full within two years.

Longue Hougue South was identified and agreed by the States in 2020 as the best environmental option, but since then there have been changes to both the quarrying and the waste timeline.

Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay De Sausmarez said in light of the circumstances, it was appropriate to re-examine Les Vardes Quarry as an option before progressing with Longue Hougue South.

Vale senior constable Richard Leale responded saying that Longue Hougue Quarry should be considered for inert waste, with Les Vardes, which is currently still operating as a quarry, being used to replace the water storage lost.

Deputy De Sausmarez assured that Les Vardes had been considered in the upcoming policy letter.

‘This is indeed an encouraging response and provides some hope that the States don’t always pursue short-term interests at the expense of the environment,’ said Mr Leale.

‘These second thoughts by government are very welcome and really do reinforce what we and St Sampson’s have been saying for years now – there is a pressing need for a proper, strategic look at infrastructure in the north of the island and elsewhere.’

He said the parish had consistently argued that filling in Longue Hougue Quarry made for sense as it would provide industrial land on a long-term basis in what is already an industrial area.

‘Belatedly, it seems that common sense may yet prevail,’ said Mr Leale.

He said the sea off Bulwer Avenue was not a sensible option, as he thought it had potential for a new harbour site.

‘We have been going on for ages saying that Longue Hougue is the one to fill in as it has sea water in it.’

The next stages of the process will not be brought forward before the States agrees next year on the future use of Les Vardes.

Guernsey Water said in 2018 that Longue Hougue reservoir was essential to island’s long-term water supply.

It has also previously said that Les Vardes quarry was important for future water storage security.

It was contacted yesterday for comment on the latest development.