10 January 2007
The Transport and Technical Services Department has submitted an application for outline planning permission for an Energy from Waste plant - another of the key developments needed for delivery of the States’ Solid Waste Strategy.
The application is to develop a modern, efficient waste disposal facility at the La Collette reclamation area. This is in line with the States decision in June 2006 to site waste disposal operations there in future.
The new facility is needed to replace the existing Bellozanne incinerator, which is now thought to be the dirtiest operating waste burning plant in Western Europe, partly due to the fact that sections of the facility have been in use for nearly 30 years. The new Energy from Waste plant would be one of the cleanest designs, dramatically improving air quality across the island and capable of generating electricity for approximately 8,000 homes.
By siting the facility at La Colette next to the Jersey Electricity Company Power Station, the proposed facility could utilise the existing JEC chimney and share much of the electrical generating equipment required by both plants, thereby reducing costs.
The application contains a comprehensive environmental report that reviewed the impact of the proposed facility on many factors such as noise, traffic, biodiversity and visual impact, including the considerable improvements in air quality that would result from the proposal.
Minister for Transport and Technical Services - Deputy Guy de Faye - said
"The submission of this application marks another key step towards replacing the worn out and polluting Bellozanne incinerator with a clean, reliable and safe plant that meets 21st century standards. Jersey needs a reliable means of disposing of its rubbish for the future and this application confirms that the Transport and Technical Services Department regards the La Collette site as a good location for a new industrial plant. The well-being of Jersey people remains my highest priority, and the independent Health Impact Assessment that is conducted as part of the statutory planning application process, will ensure the new plant will have no associated health concerns"
As part of the consultation process relating to the application the Minister will hold a public meeting at the St Paul Centre in St Helier on 18 January and there will be further events at the Ommaroo Hotel in Havre de Pas on 21 and 22 January.
If outline planning permission is granted, a tender will be issued to identify a preferred partner to develop the proposed plant. Detailed planning permission for the disposal technology will then be applied for in the autumn, before States approval to award the contract is sought. Construction could then begin early in 2008 with the new plant operational late during 2010. The existing facility at Bellozanne could then be demolished in 2011.
gov.je