Tuen Mun incinerator would put us at risk, say Shenzhen residents

A proposed incinerator in Tuen Mun to turn waste into energy is facing opposition from Shenzhen over concerns that it will aggravate air pollution and put residents' health at risk.

Dozens of Shenzhen residents and activists plan to send a proposal to the municipal people's congress, urging its environmental protection bureau to meet Hong Kong authorities over the HK$4 billion project.

The opposition came after Hong Kong last month announced two potential sites for a 3,000-tonne capacity incinerator; at Tsang Tsui in Tuen Mun or Shek Kwu Chau off southern Lantau. Both sites have been criticised as unsuitable by local residents.

Nanshan district party chief Ye Minhui said yesterday the project would have a huge impact on the environment and residents' concerns should be conveyed to the Hong Kong authorities.

Ao Jiannan , an environmental activist from the Nanshan district people's congress, said yesterday the proposed incinerator was 5km from a densely populated area in Nantou, home to tens of thousands of people.

'Pollutants and carcinogens are likely to affect the peninsula north of Tuen Mun all year, especially with southerly winds in summer. It would be a huge health risk for local residents,' Mr Ao said.

'Hong Kong, as an international metropolis with a strong sense of social responsibility, should always have the health of neighbouring Shenzhen residents in mind.