1966 — Page 64

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

(12) MR. CHEUNG WING-IN asked the following question:-

The inhabitants of Mount Davis area are concerned that serious nuisance and possible danger to public health may be caused after the new incinerator in Kennedy Town has been completed.

Will the Chairman inform the Council whether the matter has been carefully looked into? If not, can the Chairman give an assurance that it will be carefully investigated in the interests of the residents of the area?

DR. R. H. S. LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:-

The siting and the design of the incinerator have been examined carefully and jointly by the Government departments con- cerned. In 1960, a team of senior technical officers of the Public Works and the Urban Services Departments was sent to investigate different types of plants operating in certain parts of Europe, so as to advise the Government on the type of plant most suitable for local use. The points investigated included the question of siting and pre- vention of nuisances that might possibly arise therefrom.

"Smoke" as emitted from an incinerator can arise from two basic causes, namely,

2.

(i) small solid particles or grit in the gas stream,

and

(ii) the condensation of water vapour in the atmos-

phere.

3. All gases, before entering into the two tall chimneys, are made to pass through high-efficiency grit-collection systems, so as to eliminate grit or dust from the chimney emission.

4.

The way to deal with condensation of water vapour is by keeping the flue gas temperature as high as possible. In a power station, with its high efficiency boilers designed for maximum heat recovery, the flue gas temperature may be as low as 300°F. In an incinerator little of the heat is recovered from the "fuel", i.e. the refuse, and the flue gas temperature should approach 700°F. This will reduce the chances of visible condensation at the chimney tops, although at times a white plume of water vapour may be visible. This will rapidly disperse and is of course completely innocuous.

5.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

107

Efficient exhaust units are installed to prevent the dis- semination of dust and smell at the refuse reception hoppers. These hoppers are housed inside a large build- ing. Rubber strip curtains will be provided along the front of these hoppers.

MR. CHEUNG:--Thank you.

(13) MR. HENRY H. L. Hu asked the following question:

Is the Chairman aware that Victoria Park at Causeway Bay has now become a principal recreation centre for the in- habitants in that area? Is there any plan to ameliorate the conditions of the Park? e.g. providing telephone service for the tennis courts, planting more trees and flowers, erecting statues of historical or artistic value, im- proving the refreshment service, etc.

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:

Present plans and ideas for improving Victoria Park are as follows. This summer will see the planting of 100 semi- mature trees up to 15 feet high, 400 smaller trees, 1,000 azaleas and 1,000 ornamental shrubs. More seasonal flowers will be grown. Floodlights are due to be installed later this year on 4 mini-football pitches and 4 basketball courts, and possibly on the roller skating rink as well. It is hoped to provide an improved mains water supply for the model boat pool, and generally to improve the appear- ance of the surrounding area. Among the ideas now being studied in the Urban Services Department are the construction of a floodlit fountain and ornamental garden, the provision of sun shelters, displays of tank fish, con- certs by school orchestras, and the holding of outdoor art exhibitions. Following your suggestion, Sir, these studies will be extended to cover sculpture and improved catering facilities.

A telephone booking service for the tennis courts is already in operation and appears to be adequate. Bookings are made between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 noon by tele- phoning to the adjacent swimming pool office.

MR. HU:-Mr. Chairman, could you tell us how large the Victoria Park is the area of Victoria Park?

CHAIRMAN: -No, Sir, I am sorry I cannot.