Raw Sewage Discharges Stopped, Government Confirms, as Victoria Avenue Closure Extended

January 2, 2026

The Jersey government has confirmed that raw sewage discharges into coastal waters have now been stopped, following what it described as emergency intervention within the first weeks of the new administration. Speaking at a joint press conference this morning, Chief Minister Garry Thomas said that any sewage currently entering the system is treated sewage, in line with international standards, and stressed that the discharge of untreated sewage has ceased. The update was delivered alongside the Minister for Infrastructure and the Environment, Priya Shah, at the States Building in St Helier. Victoria Avenue to remain closed until at least June The Chief Minister confirmed that Victoria Avenue will remain closed until at least June 2026, with reopening strictly dependent on public health and environmental safety. “The road will not reopen unless it is safe to do so,” he said, adding that convenience would not override safety considerations. Emergency works and containment measures Minister Shah outlined a series of actions taken over the past seven days, including emergency works on key sewage pumping stations linked to the Victoria Avenue discharge. She confirmed the installation of temporary high-capacity bypass pumps, the introduction of 24-hour monitoring, and independent engineering assessments of the affected infrastructure. According to the Minister, discharge volumes have been significantly reduced, with no raw sewage discharge occurring in dry conditions. However, she stressed that the current measures represent containment rather than a permanent solution, and that full infrastructure upgrades are now underway. “Years, not weeks” of contamination In one of the strongest acknowledgements to date, the Chief Minister said a large area of Jersey’s waters is contaminated, indicating the problem has likely persisted for years rather than weeks or months. Public safety orders are already in place, with signage and physical barriers marking affected coastal areas. Islanders have been advised to follow official guidance and avoid contaminated waters. Fishing, swimming, and access restrictions are being enforced where required. Funding, investigations, and international engagement Mr Thomas confirmed that £15 million has already been allocated to address the sewage crisis, with further spending expected as longer-term upgrades progress. He said investigations into historic infrastructure failures and past handling of sewage systems would continue but declined to comment on potential criminal proceedings while inquiries are ongoing. The Chief Minister also confirmed continued engagement with French authorities, acknowledging the impact of contamination on shared waters and cross-border fishing activity.

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