The use of human waste as fertilizer (FOI)

Request

A

I would like to know the exact chemicals farmers are using to clean human waste before spreading this year?

B

It was spread on fields behind the Hospice in St Ouen and opposite Les Landes School and church. Is this safe for humans to breath in, especially children with respiratory issues?

C

Is the use of human waste safe in general and what are the exact risks if any?

D

What measures are in place so that the farmers are avoiding any water contamination?

E

Also can anything that is consumed by humans be grown on these fields after being sprayed with human waste?

F

Should this be spread next to schools and in residential areas?

In July and August the smell was so intense, windows had to be kept closed at all times, it lingered on clothes and in hair for days, It made your nose run, eyes sting and caused a cough. It was spread on very dried fields, which then dried and turned into dust, covering cars, washing and causing these dust particles to be breathed in.

Response

A to F

The information you have requested is partially exempt under Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 as the information is already accessible to you on www.gov.je within a previous Freedom of Information response linked below:

Biosolids used on agricultural fields (FOI)

Farmers are required to complete various management plans which include measures to reduce the risk of water contamination from the use of manures.

Being able to smell something doesn’t automatically make it a hazard to health, however the Environmental Health section of Growth Housing and Environment provide advice and guidance regarding nuisance elements, such as odour. It is expected that Bio-solids are applied to the land in such a manner to minimise the impact of nuisance.

Any complaints regarding odour can be reported to Environmental Health on 01534 445808 or by email at environmentalhealth@gov.je. Complaints will be investigated at the time they are submitted as it is not possible to investigate odour complaints retrospectively.

Further information relating to your questions can be found on www.gov.je using the following links:

Farm Environment Plan

Prevent water pollution: borehole maps and farm waste management

Jersey Water Pollution Risk Map

The Map designates all land areas into red, yellow or green zones. Each zone has specific recommendation as to whether manures can be spread on them.

Article applied

Article 23 Information accessible to applicant by other means

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge.

(2) A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.