Sewage will be released into Little Russel for five weeks

Work is under way to replace the main pipe along Glategny Esplanade.

It means untreated sewage will be released into the Little Russel area in St Peter Port for the next five weeks.

The minister, Deputy Bill Bell, said the White Rock outflow was used until 1986 without ill effect - and had been used since.

Water testing

"I believe that, from time to time, when maintenance work has been required on the pumping station, raw sewage has gone into the sea for short periods of time.

"We regret this situation, but it is essential we do this work to ensure the proper flow of sewage takes place to Belgrave and Belgrave Bay."

Sea water will be tested on a regular basis but experts are warning of a possible health hazard.

Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Dr David Jeffs, said his department was only told last week and it showed a flaw in the new system of government.

Harvesting scallops

"I understood the whole point of States reforms was to make for less departments and better communication between them," he said.

Sewage will be released into an area which includes Havelet Bay, La Vallette pools and Fermain Bay for the next five weeks.

There are also fears scallops harvested around the harbour could be contaminated by the discharges.

Deputy Janine Le Sauvage, who is a frequent bather at La Vallette Pools, said the situation was unacceptable in the 21st Century.