Most of the mechanical work is complete and the final details are now being realised.

The landscaping around the facility is almost finished, said resident assistant engineer, Mr. Russell Wade. As well, the asphalting is complete and the entrance gate is operational.

The offices inside the plant are furnished and functional, he noted. And the training room is now being used for staff meetings and training purposes.

"We're getting to the final stages,'' he said. "We just have some minor details to take care of.'' Tynes Bay authorities are also attempting to resolve any problems the neighbours have with the incinerator.

Nearby residents have complained of vibrations, noise and odour since the plant first started being commissioned.

And management has held meetings with residents in the area to remedy the situation.

"We've met with the community and have established dialogue. We hope to continue this because we want to keep residents involved,'' said Mr. Wade.

"If residents in the area have a problem, they should call the plant and we'll work to see what is causing it.'' He noted that the odour problem has been abated by at least 75 percent.

"Temporary closures on the vents in the tipping hall have reduced the smell.

High winds have recently caused some damage to them so eventually we'll need to get permanent ones.

"But for now, we're focusing on getting the plant ready for its official opening.'' OCEAN BACKDROP -- The Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility overlooks the North Shore.