From Robert Kisch.
DAVID Rotherham (JEP, 20 February) and others calling for the rescindment of the incinerator contract appear to ignore the years of searching for an alternative with at least two years pro-ven track record.
Despite supporting the modular steam pressure and gasification technology as the best alternative put forward, I had eventually to withdraw my support until such time as a proven installation of this system could be demonstrated with a record of reliability and costings.
Despite repeated promises of a site visit to a proven installation, nothing materialised over the years from the detailed composite strategy presented to the Public Services Committee in 2002. It seems that David Rotherham refers to this system in particular.
Faced with the deteriorating condition of the Bellozanne plant, PSD, which became TTS, examined many types, but none met the stringent criteria required to avoid vast costs in the event of fail-ure even if ‘fully insured against failure to meet specification’.
Chicken and egg it may be, but the decision to stay with the pro-ven technology must be right.
Certainly Germany and other EU countries have embraced further incinerator building as the best alternative to landfill, recycling and so on. Only the very cleanest and high quality materials can be viably recovered, especially in this recession period.
Recessions don’t last for ever — 1973 was the last, and it started the long bull market. The La Collette incinerator will have two streams so that either or both tracks can operate. This allows for some flexibility as demand increases and covers maintenance.
Much as I like improving technologies, in this case we would do well to stick with incineration. The various new technologies being put forward at this late stage can be developed and considered at a later date.
For now, just let TTS get on with the agreed system.
I understand that Ramsar acknowledges that you cannot prettify a port through which the lifeline of an Island flows, and there is provision for this.
This was a part of the years of preliminary planning, and there is no doubt that it will be clarified in the States.
Villa Martinique,
Chemin du Moulin,
St Ouen.
