In September, the Infrastructure Department announced that the island was hoping to send 600 tonnes of waste to Jersey a year to be dealt with at the energy-from-waste plant – enough to power 100 homes annually.
At the time, it was estimated that the move could earn the Island £90,000 a year. It was also said that by comparison, St Mary – the parish which generates the least rubbish – produces around 908 tonnes annually.
Now, in an amendment lodged by Mr Crowcroft, he states that although the incinerator meets modern emission standards, there was no guarantee that there would be no environmental impact from its present or future operation, especially if it burnt more waste.
He also raised concerns over the ineffectiveness of landscaping intended to disguise the plant.
‘St Helier parishioners voted against siting the new incinerator at La Collette, not only for reasons of its likely visual impact on Havre des Pas, but also because of its proximity to the Island’s Ramsar site and the risk, however small, that any problems arising from ash-handling, waste transportation and the like would prejudice this important part of the Island’s environmental assets,’ he said.
‘The department responsible for the new development of La Collette II has been slow to react to calls for improved access to the new area of recreational land created to the east of the incinerator, and the planting designed to mitigate some of the visual damage has failed to do so.’
‘It seems to me, therefore, entirely appropriate that any surplus arising from the importation of waste for processing in Jersey’s incinerator should be
applied to environmental and other improvements in the area most affected by its operation.’
In his amendment, Mr Crowcroft calls for the surplus revenue to be spent on environmental improvements on the eastern side of the incinerator, implementing learning facilities for the adjacent Ramsar site and improving access around La Collette to facilitate cycling, walking and other activities.
He is also asking States Members to support the idea that the surplus revenue should be spent on the promenade, La Collette Gardens and wooded areas of South Hill along with any other environment projects that the Environment Minister ‘deems appropriate’.
The issue is due to be debated in the States on 6 November.
