China pollution peril
POLLUTION from power stations in China threatens to set back improvements in Hong Kong air quality by 20 years, the Environmental Protection Department said yesterday.
Outlining environmental threats from across the border, department Director Dr Stuart Reed said a large plant proposed for Shenzhen should have special equipment installed to reduce emissions.
A Hopewell Holdings subsidiary has been negotiating to build a plant in east Shenzhen, reportedly coal-fired and with four, 660-megawatt generators.
'Obviously we have to be on our guard,' Dr Reed said. 'The very large power station that has been proposed for a site in Shenzhen could set back 20 years of air quality gains in the territory if it is not fitted with appropriate flue gas cleaning equipment.' The equipment removes large amounts of the noxious gas sulphur dioxide, which is produced from coal and oil burning and affects people with respiratory complaints.
Sulphur dioxide levels had dropped by up to 80 per cent, said Dr Reed.
An executive of Consolidated Electric Power Asia, which has been negotiating with China on the project, said the power station should meet Hong Kong standards if it proceeded.
'There will be proper safeguards in place,' said power manager Ian Jordan.
Power plants being built in the territory are required to have flue gas cleaning equipment.
The station on Lamma Island did not have the equipment to capture sulphur dioxide, an Environmental Protection Department official said, but it would be included in unit six of the power project. The power plant at Black Point is run with gas.
