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A key study which will assess how a toxic manmade chemical spread through Jersey's environment has completed its first round of sampling.
A ‘hydrogeological’ study of two water catchment areas which flow from the Airport is being undertaken to understand the impact of ‘PFAS’ in Jersey – including its distribution, how it is moving through the aquifer, and the level of potential risk to human health and the environment.
In addition, the study will also help identify "pragmatic and sustainable" options to manage the risk of PFAS entering water supplies, including those used for drinking.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since they were developed in the 1930s.
Able to resist heat, water, oil and fuel, they were added to a variety of products, including firefighting foam that was sprayed at the Airport until 2020.
However, PFAS was later linked to a number of health conditions, including cancer, thyroid problems, birth defects and infertility.
Pictured: Some of the products which have or had PFAS in them.
Although the Government signed a £2.6m deal with foam manufacturer 3M in 2004 promising not to sue the US company, it is now trying to find out more about the extent of PFAS contamination in Jersey and support islanders who believe their health has been adversely affected through ingesting the highly durable carbon-based compound.
The hydrogeological study is being carried out by officers in the Environment Department, who are working alongside specialist PFAS-testing firm Arcadis.
Giving an update, Dr Tim du Feu – who is the Government's Head of Land Resource Management – said that the first round of four sets of testing had been completed in July, with the next round taking place over a two-week period next month.
A whole year of quarterly test results were needed to take account of annual changes in the water table, he added.
Results are sent to Arcadis for analysis, with the firm expected to produce a mid-point update by the end of this year.
Pictured: The PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel is chaired by Dr Steve Hajioff, a former director of public health in London.
An initial desktop review of test results taken since the early 90s from boreholes in the two catchments had revealed some gaps in data; therefore, the Government will be drilling two new boreholes in St. Ouen’s Bay.
A planning application has been submitted and the Environment Department has put out a tender for firms to drill the holes.
Data from the new boreholes will also help the Government understand the potential impact of PFAS on a field of boreholes owned by Jersey Water.
The utility used to abstract water from these sites, which was added to its drinking water supplies. However, it is now not taking water from its St. Ouen’s Bay or Pont Marquet sources because of the presence of PFAS.
Jersey Water previously said that these sites are an important source of drinking water and it is working with the Government to find a solution.
The results of the hydrogeological study will also feed into the work of the independent ‘PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel’ of experts commissioned by the Government.
Pictured: The PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel recently explored the merits of therapeutic phlebotomy or 'blood letting' in ridding the body of PFAS.
As well as analysing possible health interventions, including recommending therapeutic phlebotomy to islanders who lived and worked in the catchment areas, the panel will also study the environmental impact of PFAS.
The results of the hydrogeological study will feed into this piece of work, which will be the fourth of five reports that the panel will produce.
One of the panel, Professor Ian Cousins, specialises in the impact of PFAS on the environment.
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