Bay garbage incinerator.

But trial tests conducted so far by Government and the incinerator contractor Von Roll were clear, Works Ministry chief engineer Mr. Dave Arden said yesterday.

He said the German company, Graff, was expected to conduct operation checks and tests on equipment, emissions and air quality early in the New Year when Von Roll officially hands over the plant to Government having operated it for a required minimum six-month trial period.

"So far, trial tests indicate we are within specifications -- and comfortably within them,'' Mr. Arden said.

The German firm was hired by Von Roll with Government's approval as part of the incinerator contract, he said.

The incinerator has been operating since May. An equipment break-down in September caused an uproar among residents of the Dock Hill/North Shore Road area. But they have remained quiet since then.

They had complained about thick black smoke, noise and a nightly stench.

Works Minister said the problem was due to mechanical difficulties involving the electric static precipitators which remove fly ash from the gases.

The plant was subsequently shut down and the problem was rectified by engineers.

Environment Ministry permanent secretary Dr. James Burnett-Herkes said the plant had a temporary licence under the Clean Air Act to operate. It would be given a full licence following completion of the independent tests.

He noted his Ministry had been carrying out ambient air quality tests in the area for the past two years in conjunction with the Bermuda Biological Station.

The incinerator had passed those and the emission tests with "flying colours''.

"You just have to look at it,'' he said. "It's been going since May and people can't believe it because the (stack emissions) are so clean.'' He stressed the plant was designed so it would not pollute.