Friends of the Earth Guernsey reacts to the disturbing report in the Guernsey Press of 30th September 2004 of sewage debris discovered floating in the seas around the east coast.

Statement from spokesman Michelle Levrier: “This diversion of sewage away from the maceration facility at the Red Lion to the outfall at White Rock represents a disgraceful mismanagement and disregard of even the basic environmental standards the Island sets for itself.

However, Friends of the Earth is also disturbed to note that although there can be few Islanders who are unaware of our usual method of sewage disposal, it is evident that some people are still disposing of inappropriate waste via their toilets”.

Guernsey does not have sewage treatment; everything that goes down the drain is headed for the sea. Sewage that converges on the Red Lion outfall passes through screens and is chopped up (macerated) before discharge to the sea. It appears that the message has been lost that every person on the Island has a responsibility to avoid flushing sanitary items and non-biodegradable items down toilets.

Sanitary towels, tampons, condoms, plastics etc should not, in any circumstance, be disposed of in toilets. We should also avoid using strong bleaches, cleaning products containing phosphates, and non-biodegradable chemicals in our drains.

Somehow, at some point, Guernsey will have to find the money for one or more sewage treatment plants. Until that time, and particularly during the discharge of raw, unscreened sewage from the White Rock, people should remain very aware that whatever they flush down the drain will shortly be floating in the sea.

Littering our coastline and harbour with sewage related debris is completely unacceptable, and it is our responsibility, each and every one of us, to ensure that only that unavoidable material which will naturally break down in the marine environment ends up in our toilets.