In accordance with the latest information on remaining void space in the existing WENT Landfill, more recent estimates suggest that the existing WENT Landfill will be filled up by end 2010s. Given that it will take many years to confirm suitability of a new landfill location and that land is scarce in Hong Kong , extensions of the existing landfills were considered a practicable, necessary and urgent intermediate solution. Key advantages of the extension schemes include:

•  Availability of existing supporting infrastructure and therefore more cost effective and hence less lead-time for the development.

•  Availability of accurate information and hence lower level of risk in capital and operating costs estimation.

•  Availability of existing environmental monitoring data and hence more reliable for confirming environmental acceptability of the Project.

•  Availability of existing supporting infrastructure and therefore less requirement on land resumption for the development.

•  Availability of existing supporting infrastructure and therefore potentially less impact on the environment in comparison with a new green field site scheme.

•  Establishment of proven site-specific procedures for operation and environmental impact control.

•  These key advantages are recognised at the existing WENT Landfill for the proposed extension.