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2.6 Deputy M.R. Higgins of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding the archiving of chimney temperature data and other key records relating to the operation of the Bellozanne incinerator facility:
Will the Minister undertake to ensure, as promised by his predecessor, that all chimney temperature data and other key records relating to the operation of the Bellozanne incinerator facility have been retained and handed over to the Jersey Archive, so that the information critical to determining the impact of the facility on Islanders' health have been preserved?
Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Transport and Technical Services):
The department has archived the log sheets for the last 10 years of operation of the Bellozanne Energy from Waste plant. I was not aware of any commitment made by the previous Minister for Transport and Technical Services regarding data relating to the Bellozanne Energy from Waste plant being handed over the Jersey Archive. However, T.T.S. (Transport and Technical Services) will contact the Jersey Archive to ascertain whether the information should be transferred. Previous requests for data have asked for chimney temperatures. The temperature of the exhaust gases going up the Bellozanne chimney would have no relation to the likely dioxin content of the flue gasses. Typically, Bellozanne ran chimney temperatures in excess of 200 degrees Celsius. By comparison, the new plant operates at 145 degrees Celsius.
The Bailiff :
Yes, Deputy , do you require a supplementary?
- Deputy M.R. Higgins:
A supplementary, yes. Is the Minister not aware of the fact that the Bellozanne temperature - I did get some early readings, as a result of earlier questions - was not reaching the required temperature to kill all the dioxins that were going out of the chimney? That was the reason why I was constantly asking questions on this. What I would say is I did ask his predecessor in the States Chamber. I think if we go through Hansard we will find that request was there and agreed to. So, I welcome the Minister's statement that he is going to talk to the Archive. All this data must be maintained. I hope he will ensure that all data that would affect public safety is retained. Can he give that undertaking that he will?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Absolutely. I will reiterate that the chimney temperatures are not relevant in this case. The more relevant temperature, from the combustion point of view, is the combustion temperature. The W.I.D. (Waste Incineration Directive) sets out the combustion temperature must be in excess of 850 degrees Celsius for 2 seconds. The temperature of the combustion at the flame will be significantly greater than 850 degrees Celsius and the flue gas will cool as it rises. The 2 second residency temperature will move, depending on flue gas flow rate. Therefore, this temperature has to be calculated using complex computer calculations. This is a requirement of the W.I.D.
- Deputy J.A. Hilton:
In previous questions asked in this House, we were told by the former Minister for Transport and Technical Services that regular testing was carried out on employees of the plant up at Bellozanne Valley. Can the Minister confirm that the regular testing is still being carried out and that that data relating to those test results will be kept in a secure environment for perusal later on if necessary?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I am not aware of that testing, but I will investigate that.
- Deputy J.H. Young of St. Brelade :
Notwithstanding the technical complexities of the Minister's answer, would he please confirm that the design of the Bellozanne incinerator predated modern emission standards and the reality is the long term effects of the incinerator are unknown, that it is important for him to retain all data so that in the future investigations can be made if necessary?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Absolutely. I reiterate, all data will be maintained and preserved. Was the Bellozanne incinerator up to standard? No, that is why we built a new one. But, I can guarantee all data will be retained.
- Deputy J.A. Hilton:
Just a follow-up question to my previous question, the Minister was not aware that testing and health checks have been carried out on employees at the plant. Can he answer that question in a written form to all Members, please? Thank you.
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I will investigate and circulate to all Members certainly.
- Deputy M.R. Higgins:
Will the Minister acknowledge that in the past tyres and computer equipment were burned in the incinerator and that there were particles from those that did escape, which were not burned off in the process and therefore could have been a hazard to health?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
I am aware that tyres were burned in the past. I am not sure about the computer parts. I can assure Members that all such items are exported for recycling to the U.K. now. But, I cannot comment at all what was done in the past.