WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
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CONSULTANT STUDY ON CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT
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THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, IN PLANNING FOR THE PROPER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTES, HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CENTRALISED FACILITY FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF TSING YI ISLAND WHICH IS CONSIDERED SUITABLE AS IT IS FAR AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH TREATMENT FACILITIES WAS ESSENTIAL IF HONG KONG WAS TO AVLOD EXTENSIVE POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTES.
AT THE SAME TIME, TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE MARPOL CONVENTION WHICH WAS EXTENDED TO HONG KONG IN 1984. A RECEPTION FACILITY FOR MARINE OILY AND CHEMICAL WASTES WAS URGENTLY REQUIRED.
AN AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ERL (ASIA) LTD. THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $6.5 MILLION, IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
DURING PHASE ONE, THE CONSULTANT HAS TO PRODUCE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND PREFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FACILITY. THE CONSULTANT WOULD ALSO CARRY OUT AN INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EA) AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPROPRIATE CONTROL MEASURES AND REQUIREMENTS. THIS WOULD INCLUDE RISK EVALUATION TO ENSURE THAT ALL NECESSARY SAFETY MEASURES WOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF THE FACILITY.
THE CONSULTANT WOULD ALSO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND CONTRACTUAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECTS, AND MAKE APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS.
SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO PROCEED WITH PHASE TWO, THE CONSULTANT WOULD PREPARE TO INVITE TENDERS FROM EXPERIENCED WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE FACILITY,
DURING PHASE THREE, THE CONTRACTOR WOULD CARRY OUT SITE CONSTRUCTION WITH A VIEW TO COMMISSIONING THE FACILITY IN EARLY
1990.
TO ENSURE THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS WERE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT DURING THE DESIGN STAGE OF THE PLANT, THE CONTRACTOR WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT A DETAILED ÉIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSULTANT'S RECOMMENDATIONS.
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