12 June 2025
​The Government of Jersey has published its full response to the Arcadis
Hydrogeological Risk Assessment Report on the current state of PFAS in surface
water and groundwater around Jersey airport.
The Minister for the Environment fully accepts the majority of the report’s
recommendations and has already begun implementing key actions:
- A steering group has been set up which brings together the Government, Ports of
Jersey, and Jersey Water to develop a coordinated remediation strategy that includes
immediate, medium-, and long-term options
- Further testing of water, soil, and outfalls is underway to address gaps in
knowledge
- Additional monitoring will take place this summer to track the movement of PFAS
from and around the airport site
- Officers have identified properties drawing water from boreholes within the
updated plume area and are providing direct environmental health advice and
support to affected households. Testing of private supplies is already taking place
- Arcadis has also been asked to present its findings to the Independent PFAS
Scientific Advisory Panel and support them with their upcoming report on PFAS in
the Environment (Report 4).
The independent report by Arcadis, a world leading environmental consultancy,
assessed PFAS across the St Ouen’s Bay and Upper Pont Marquet areas, and found
that the extent of affected groundwater near the airport (the “plume area”) is larger
than previously understood.
There is no immediate risk to the health of the broader population, as Jersey Water
do not draw water from these impacted catchment areas for public water supply.
The report evaluates and shortlists a wide range of remediation options for the
affected soil, groundwater and surface water.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said:
“This independent report gives us the clearest picture yet of PFAS in groundwater and
surface water around the airport.
"I have fully accepted the majority of the report’s recommendations and decisive action
is already underway. If necessary, I am prepared to use regulatory powers to ensure
progress is made at the pace we need to protect our environment and public health.
"I want to reassure Islanders that there is no immediate risk to public health. Our public
water supply continues to meet EU and UK standards for PFAS levels, and Jersey Water
has already taken steps to avoid drawing from impacted sources.”
Deputy Luce will be hosting a public meeting at 6 pm on Wednesday 18 June to hear
Islanders’ views and answer questions.​
gov.je