Foul air rises over landfill expansion(3)

Covered largely by green plastic material, one woman in Shenzhen said she initially thought the Tuen Mun landfill was a scenic spot, until she moved into her new home at Shenzhen Bay and was inundated by the smell of waste. Many people, including the woman, have criticized the Hong Kong authorities' expansion plans. Photo by Edmond Tang / China Daily

Shenzhen's environment commission and the Nanshan district environmental protection bureau declined to comment about the expansion plan.

Residents close to Shenzhen Bay, however, have been vocal in expressing their anger and opposition to the proposal.

"Environmental protection is a global issue," said Zhang Yunkun, who lives in Shekou. "You can't do harm to your neighbor just to benefit yourself. It's irresponsible and selfish for Hong Kong to build a landfill near a community."

He has complained about the air pollution to the Nanshan authorities, but the 56-year-old said he has so far received no feedback.

The Tuen Mun landfill should be closed for good, he said, warning that it could even hamper the progress in developing Qianhai into a financial services zone.

"When the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant was under construction, Hong Kong residents were informed. Now we want the same rights," Zhang said, adding that all residents deserve to be kept in the loop about projects that may affect them.

Chan conceded there have been misunderstandings in the past, and that his government should have discussed its plans with people in Shenzhen.

"Two regions share the same bay. Mutual respect is very important," he said.

　Exchanging ideas

The landfill expansion plan will be resubmitted to the Legislative Council when members return from the summer recess in October.

In the meantime, the city's Environmental Protection Department said it welcomed exchanges with its counterpart in Shenzhen and will continue to explore cooperation opportunities.

"We understand the concerns of residents about our landfill operation," read the department's statement. "We would be pleased to introduce and exchange views on the landfill design and operation with a view to strengthening our communication and mutual understanding on the issue."

Ao also said he is staying optimistic about any future decisions.

"I think they (Hong Kong authorities) will listen to residents from both sides and make a wise choice," he said. "Otherwise, there will be no progress in environmental protection, only a potential threat for both cities.

"Any strategy should be negotiated and mapped out by officials and residents from the two cities."