AN alternative scheme for disposing of the island’s refuse is being backed by the Chamber of Commerce.
That emerged yesterday follow the formal launch of rival plans to Public Services’ £93m. integrated solution at Longue Hougue.
Chamber said: ‘We find ourselves supporting this alternative proposal for two main reasons: firstly economic, in the sense that this is much cheaper and secondly, this seems to be a far more environmentally sensitive solution whilst also actively encouraging further recycling.’
Former deputy chief minister and Garenne Group chairman Stuart Falla (pictured) also backs the plans from the group led by businessman Rupert Dorey.
‘I wholeheartedly support you and your colleagues,’ Mr Falla wrote to Mr Dorey yesterday.
The Rational Alternative claims it would cost the island around £180m. less than Public Services’ proposal over its 25-year lifetime and cost £19m. up front – a saving of £74m.
Mr Dorey said its much smaller plant would extend Mont Cuet landfill’s life for 50 years.
‘It is a simple, logical, modular approach that is designed to deal with the right amount of waste, not a huge expensive option that will disincentivise the island from recycling.
‘It will have a net lifetime revenue that is £120m. more than PSD and will contribute in excess of £3m. per year to the States.
‘These figures are cautious. I think it will achieve even more’
The project’s central feature is twin micro-incinerators, with a capacity of 22,000 tonnes per year.
‘If you need maintenance you can continue to burn in one while the other is worked on.’
Mr Dorey yesterday revealed that Envikraft would be behind the micro-incinerators.
‘The Danish company has been in existence for 40 years and has built about 300 incinerators worldwide, from small models to large,’ he said.
An optional biological waste plant and a materials recovery facility, to be run privately.
Mr Dorey said that if the bio plant did not obtain regulatory approval, a third micro incinerator could replace it at no extra cost.
He said that was also an established technology used in the UK.
‘The Rational Alternative can be in operation 18 months from “go ahead”, some two years ahead of PSD.’
Article posted on 11th July, 2009 - 2.29pm
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