Les Vardes quarry likely to be used for water storage

The site, where quarrying by Ronez finished at the start of this year, has been earmarked for water storage since 2006.

But the struggle to find a site for inert waste had led some to query whether the deep hole just off the island’s west coast would be a good option.

The Environment & Infrastructure Committee confirmed yesterday that it had opted for water.

In a report which the States might debate next month, E&I said it had considered all options, including inert waste capped with concrete, before using the rest of the capacity for water storage.

However, there is no precedent for this kind of dual use, and with concerns around the contamination of the water supply, this option was considered unacceptable, as it could undermine public trust in the water supply.

Instead it is proposed inert waste should go to Black Rock, a potential land reclamation site adjacent to Griffiths Yard at North Side.

E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that not investing in infrastructure would constrain economic growth in the island.

‘This is an opportunity to invest in our infrastructure, not just to support our immediate needs, but also to ensure we put the foundations in place to meet some of Guernsey’s most basic needs in the longer-term,’ she said.

‘As islanders, we’re all keenly aware of the importance of sound water management and drought resilience, and people also understand the vital importance of the construction industry at a time when housebuilding in particular is more important than ever.

‘This solution provides us with a way forward that gives us far better resilience for our water needs in the short, medium and long-term, and it also supports our construction industry, and therefore, our economy, all while aligning with the Guernsey Development Agency’s vision for the Bridge.’

The policy letter looks at costs, environmental impacts, engineering assessments and timelines.

A range of other options were considered as part of the detailed technical assessments, which included a number of former quarries, alternative land reclamation projects, and a desalination plant.

The desalination plant was considered to be the most costly option for water and would have resulted in increases to bills.