Introduction

The Environment Department is pleased to publish its first consultation document (16 October 2007) in relation to Coastal Defence.

In 1998/1999, the former Board of Administration commissioned consultants Posford Duvivier (now Royal Haskoning) to examine the coastal defence strategy for Guernsey. The report identified that coastal defences were generally in very good condition but that in the longer term some units could require additional engineering to keep them fit for purpose.

In the intervening years the Board of Administration and more recently the Environment Department has continued the traditional practice of maintaining the defences through ongoing monitoring and repair.  However, in light of concerns over Sea Level rise and increased storms resulting from Climate Change ('Scenarios of Climate Change for Islands with the British Irish Council region', dated July 2003) the Environment Department decided to review the previous work taking into account the most up to date sea level rise predictions.  

The consultation document has been drawn from the resultant report 'Guernsey Coastal Defence Strategy', March 2007, by Royal Haskoning, and is available for download or can be obtained from the Libraries.  It sets out in broad terms the findings of the consultants’ report and sets out the key issues for future consideration and on which the Department would welcome your views.

The Environment Department is pleased to note that overall Guernsey’s coastal defences are still considered to be in generally good condition and can be maintained to a good standard by continuing current practices of regular inspection and maintenance.  Where those practices are considered unsustainable for the life of the strategy there are no significant urgent works, or changes in practice required within the next five years. 

However, during that time it is recommended that some more detailed studies and consultations take place in order that any major expenditure to deliver the chosen long-term strategy can be programmed. The consultation document starts that process of consultation and studies. In light of the comments received the Department will be taking recommendations to the States in the early part of next year.

The consultation period will close on 16 November 2007.