31 July 2007
An assessment of the likely impacts of the proposed world record rocket firing attempt has been published by the Environment Department. The report recognises the significance of the event in the context of the Battle of Flower’s finale display but expresses concern about the possible damage to the marine environment.
All fireworks contain a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals and the world record event would be approximately five times bigger than a standard firework display. In addition the physical litter caused by the 111,000 spent rockets could seriously affect the amenity of the beach if not removed.
No prior permission is required from the Department to carry out the display but in the event of damage being caused to the environment an investigation would be carried out which could lead to a prosecution under the Water Pollution (Jersey) Law, 2000.
Extensive guidance has been issued to the event’s organiser to ensure that damage to the environment is minimised.
Environment Director Chris Newton commented, “The size of this particular display and its sensitive location mean that we can’t treat it as just another firework display. A proposal that results in almost two tonnes of chemicals and a similar amount of associated cardboard and wood litter is bound to attract comment. In normal circumstances we would strongly resist this event but in the context of a one-off display linked to the Battle of Flowers we are working with Mr McDonald to minimise the likely damage to the environment”
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Notes to Editors:
1. For further information, please contact Chris Newton 441610 – not available for interview or comment until Wednesday 1 August 2007.
2. An advisory note to Mr McDonald is attached along with a report assessing the likely impact on St Aubins Bay. The summary and conclusion of which can be assessed here -
Please click here for the Response from the Environment Department
Please click here for the Pollution and Toxicity Report
Summary and Conclusion
1. The large number of fireworks fired during the record attempt and their resultant combustion products contain toxic and environmentally damaging chemicals.
2. Many of the products will be soluble and become highly diluted and removed from the open bay area. Insoluble chemicals will not easily be absorbed into the marine food chain and the limited analysis able to be undertaken indicates that the initial concentration will be below risk levels.
3. A case study shows that single one-off firework events are unlikely to result in large-scale damage to the environment. Particularly, for an ecosystem which is open and subject to regular wind and tide mixing.
4. It is considered that the greatest potential risk to the environment will be caused by the physical setting and clearing-up of the launch area (damage from vehicle and foot traffic, raking sand etc). The Environment Division has written a detailed paper to Mr McDonald that gives comprehensive guidelines on how the risks to the Bay’s environment can be minimised.
5. The test firing, rocket launch and beach clean up will be closely monitored by the Environment Division with ongoing advice given.
6. Any significant harm to the aquatic environment or damage to the amenity value of the bay that is caused by the record attempt will be investigated as a pollution incident under the Water Pollution (Jersey) Law, 2000.
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