02 May 2025
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The Government of Jersey has published an independent
hydrogeological report on the current state of PFAS in surface water and
groundwater around Jersey Airport.
The report by Arcadis, a world leading environmental consultancy, assessed PFAS
across the St Ouen’s Bay and Upper Pont Marquet areas, potential risks and possible
clean up options.
There is no immediate risk to the health of the broader population, as the report
confirms that Jersey Water do not draw water from these impacted catchment areas
for public water supply.
Assessing a broad range of PFAS, the report found that the extent of affected
groundwater near the airport, the “plume area”, is larger than previously understood.
PFAS is a global issue. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group
of over 12,000 man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in everyday
products. These chemicals don’t break down easily, so they can build up over time in
the environment. Some types of PFAS have been linked to health risks.
In Jersey, the historic use of firefighting foam at the Airport has created a PFAS “hot
spot”. To better understand this, the Government of Jersey commissioned an
independent study and risk assessment by Arcadis.
Arcadis considered PFAS levels in the groundwater, water which lies below the
surface, and the surface water, water which lies on the surface, such as in ponds and
streams. The report evaluates and shortlists a wide range of remediation options for
the affected soil, groundwater and surface water.
The Minister for the Environment will review the report’s findings over the next six
weeks and produce a full response by 12 June, including details of how the
Government will move remediation options forward.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce said: “I want to thank Arcadis
for this detailed and thorough report, which will help us chart the best way forward.
“PFAS is not just in Jersey, it’s everywhere. But we’re coming up with scientific,
evidence-based solutions to deal with it. There are only a few other jurisdictions
around the world who are doing as much as we are.
“We are following the evolving science. We commissioned this report to give us a
better understanding of where PFAS is and what we can do about it. It is a detailed
report on a complex matter and its findings deserve proper consideration. I will
carefully review it and respond more fully, with details of how we plan to move
forwards, on 12 June.”
​The Arcadis Hydrogeological Study and other PFAS information is available at Gov.je​.
gov.je