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In response to a news report on the capacity of the South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill today (February 28), a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) made the following statement:
In assessing when our strategic landfills will reach its full capacity, the EPD needs to go through a stringent and scientific evaluation process, which is also based on facts. We have analysed the historical trend and forecast of various data, including waste generation, the results of waste separation and recycling efforts, population growth, economic development as well as the business environment, with a view to attaining accurate assessments.
The capacity of landfills is also affected by its design. The design of the landfills, including the slope design, the thickness of the covers and the forecast of waste settlement, needs to adhere to very stringent standards to ensure the safe and proper management of the landfills during operation and after closure, and at the same time to meet the forecast on capacity.
The design capacity of the SENT landfill is 43 million cubic metres. As at the end of 2009, the remaining capacity of the landfill is 11 million cubic metres. Based on an estimated intake of 2 million cubic metres per year, the SENT landfill is expected to reach its full capacity in 2014.
As regards the estimation reportedly made by the landfill operator, the EPD does not agree with it. The estimation mentioned in the report relies on trimming the thickness of the landfill cover and increasing the settlement rate to "enlarge" the capacity of the landfill. Such an assumption does not take into account the requirement of safety and environmental factors and is not fully in line with the waste management data analysis mentioned above. It is irresponsible for any person to estimate the landfill capacity data using incomplete and unverified data.
As we have previously emphasised, Hong Kong has to make early preparations for the proper treatment of waste. The planning and construction of various facilities takes time. We will continue to plan for our waste treatment facilities based on accurate and verifiable data in an open manner. We will also continue to promote the separation of waste at source through different initiatives to relieve the pressure on landfills and other waste facilities.
Ends/Monday, February 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:46
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