HK Standard, Friday, June 08, 2012
The High Court has granted leave for a judicial review launched by four Cheung Chau residents over a government plan to build a waste incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau.
High Court judge Thomas Au Hing- cheung accepted all four applications.
A three-day hearing of the first case will begin on November 14.
Lawyers representing the group claim the Environmental Impact Assessment report on the multibillion dollar project is defective.
They say the report is totally inconsistent with the technical requirements of an environmental study, does not explain the reasons for constructing incinerators and does not include any feasible alternatives.
They also question the justification for building an incinerator, namely that landfills are being exhausted.
The impact of the incinerator on water quality and ecological environment is also inadequately covered in regard to contaminant leakage, public safety and health, they claim.
But counsel for the government say the report has already explained that a pressing need exists for the construction of the incinerator, and there is no alternative other than building it on Shek Kwu Chau.
WINNIE CHONG