The new generation incinerator will be built and operated by the private waste recycling and disposal contractor, Onyx Hampshire Ltd. The plans form part of the waste strategy for Hampshire which aims to recycle waste from the county in a much more sustainable and effective way.

Says John Collis, Director of Onyx Hampshire Ltd: "We are absolutely delighted with this decision. Hampshire urgently needs new incinerators. The amount of waste going to landfill is increasing all the time and this incinerator will enable us to deal with waste in a more environmentally sound way.

"The Environment Agency has already given IPC (Integrated Pollution Control) authorisation for the project giving a clear signal on an issue which we know is important to local people, that the plant is safe."

The state of the art plant will be housed in an aluminium clad dome and set in an industrial area at Marchwood Industrial Park. Its innovative design has received unexpected but welcome support from the local community during public consultations and has been endorsed by local councillors.

The 36 metre high, 110 metre diameter dome will house all the equipment of the plant with two chimneys rising from its roof to a height of 65 metres – making it smaller in height than the previous power station on the site.

Forming an important part of the integrated waste strategy for the county in disposing of those materials left over once re-use and recycle has taken place, the 165,000 tonne facility is designed to serve the needs of South West Hampshire. It will have the capability of generating in excess of 14MW of electricity from the process. Supplied to the Grid, this will power more than 14,000 local homes.

Contractors will now be commissioned. Construction, which will begin within 6-9 months will take approximately 28 months to complete.

Ends

15 June 2001

Issued by: Julie Fuge, Polymedia 01329 663194

For further information contact: John Collis, Onyx on 01962 764000