PTZABQ(3)
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Background
GENERAL
1.
In August 1987 construction of a nuclear power station began at Daya Bay, 50 km north east of Hong Kong. The plant is a joint venture between the Nuclear Investment Companies of Guangdong and Hong Kong, with shares of 75% and 25% respectively, and some 70% of the power generated will go to Hong Kong. The main contractor to supply the plant is French: GEC will supply the turbines and generator. The plant will become fully operational in 1993.
PUBLIC CONCERN
2.
The
Since Chernobyl great concern has been expressed in Hong Kong about the risks to the territory in the event of an accident. discovery of a construction fault last September heightened fears. Following a full report from the Joint Venture Company, the Hong Kong Government expressed satisfaction that the error would be fully rectified and improved supervision procedures put into place. An independent advisory body is to be set up by the Chinese under the Joint Venture Company with members nominated by the Hong Kong branch of the NCNA. The body will consider safety and management aspects of the plant.
UKAEA REPORTS
3. The Hong Kong Government have engaged the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to undertake studies covering background radiation monitoring programmes, risk assessment, public education and contingency planning. The Contingency Planning Report, known as the Harwell Report, was published on 5 May this year. The main thrust of the report is that no evacuation plan is necessary. Press coverage of the report has been extensive and reasonably balanced. Some critics nonetheless continue to press for the Hong Kong Government to develop an evacuation plan.
IAEA INVOLVEMENT
4. Mr Emmerson, a senior official from the IAEA's Nuclear Safety Division, visited Hong Kong at the beginning of May. He visited the Royal Observatory's Radiation Monitoring Laboratories, spoke to officials involved in contingency planning and met the LegCo Ad Hoc
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