Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to an article on the development of Integrated Waste Management Facility

Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to an article on the development of Integrated Waste Management Facility

We would like to respond to the article by Mr Edwin Lau, Friends of the Earth (“Costly incinerator will be a waste of money, April 2”).

Based on the most recent studies, the estimated cost of the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (IWMF) at an artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau is $14.96 billions in Money of the Day prices or $11.38 billion in September 2011 prices.

The figure of $4 billion quoted in the article was a very preliminary estimate based on the information gathered around 2002-3, in the absence of detailed studies. As with other infrastructural projects, the actual cost estimation could only be made on the basis of the findings in the engineering studies and EIA. The construction and material prices have increased significantly by two to three times from 2002 to 2011.

Another cost factor is the stringent environmental requirements for achieving high environmental performance. The IWMF will meet the most stringent international standards. Additional measures will also be incorporated to further reduce the impacts.

The estimated capital cost of the IWMF at Tsang Tsui is about $ 9 billion in September 2011 prices. The difference in the capital cost between the two sites is $2.4 billion (September 2011 prices) relating to the costs of reclamation works, berths and breakwaters and submarine cables etc.

The cost of the IWMF near Shek Kwu Chau is comparable to other plants in Europe such as the one in Amsterdam for about 2400 tonnes per day (a fifth less than the one near Shek Kwu Chau) with a capital cost of about $ 9 billion.

The artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau is chosen because it would ensure a more balanced spatial distribution of waste facilities given that there is already a sludge treatment facility of 2000 tonnes per day under construction in Tsang Tsui; it is closer to the Island East, Island West and West Kowloon refuse transfer stations; it is located in the downwind side of the prevailing wind; and it has the potential to enhance the synergies with neighboring islands.

Like other advanced economies, the modern waste to energy plant under IWMF, which can significantly reduce the waste volume and carbon dioxide emissions, is an indispensable part of the Government’s multi-pronged strategy to tackle the imminent waste problem.

We are committed to work with the community to reduce and recycle waste, while taking forward the IWMF and other waste projects for Hong Kong.
 
(Mr Elvis WK Au )
Assistant Director of Environment Protection