Residual Waste Project Update - 2 June 2009

arc21 has issued an update on its £1bn project to deliver one Energy from Waste (EfW) plant and up to two Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facilities. The new infrastructure will help councils meet EU landfill targets and deliver a more environmentally friendly approach to waste management.

According to arc21’s Policy & Operations Director, Ricky Burnett, the project is progressing well and within its timeframe:
“We are happy with progress on our project and we hope to move onto the next stage of the procurement process in the very near future.

At a meeting of Belfast City Council on the 9th June 2009, they will consider the results of their Community Consultation. The outcome of the Belfast City Council's decision will enable us to proceed forward which will eventually culminate in the identification of proposed locations for the new waste facilities. We intend to conduct our own public consultation on our proposed locations , which may or may not include the North Foreshore, later in the year.

The City Council has devoted considerable energy in robustly consulting on the issue and should be commended for ensuring that a decision can be made in light of all the facts. Regardless of where the facilities are proposed to be located, we welcome the fact that the Belfast public has endorsed arc21's proposals to adopt modern technology to help solve the problem of what to do with our waste."

He goes on to say:
“As stated on many occasions in the past, we will continue to encourage people to produce less waste in the first place as well as strive for at least a 50% recycling rate.

However, EfW is also an essential element of arc21’s waste management plan. The technology will make good use of material which can’t physically or practically be recycled by converting it into enough energy to supply the equivalent needs of 40,000 homes.

“The energy can also be used to support a number of commercial, industrial, sporting and civic projects and will help Northern Ireland meet is renewable energy targets."

A report on the Belfast City Council Community Consultation is available on the City Council website in the section dealing with Council meetings.

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