An anti-incineration expert is "seriously concerned" about the local government's amendment to an advisory paper on garbage treatment.

Two residents in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, walk beside an advertisement promoting sorting waste on Sunday. [China Daily]

Zhao Zhangyuan, a retired researcher from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, said he does not accept the change to the paper, which collected expert opinions on garbage treatment.

The last part of the original paper stated: "A few experts think it is risky to burn trash." However, according to the publicized version, which was made public on Feb 24, "Only one out of 32 experts think the current incineration technology poses risks to the environment."

The advisory paper was prepared after the local government invited 32 environment experts and government officials to discuss on ways to handle the growing amount of garbage in Guangdong's capital.

Zhao, who was among the experts is the "only one" opposed to the idea of incineration.

"The government is trying to create an illusion that people against incineration would be isolated," Zhao said.

At the discussion, Zhao said the current incineration technology was insufficient to ensure safety and burning trash would pose great risks to the environment.

"At least half of the experts at the discussion agreed with me during the two-day meeting. How can the paper say only one person is opposed to incineration?" asked Zhao.

The discussion was organized after the local government suspended a major garbage incinerator planned for Panyu district due to widespread opposition from local residents, who were concerned about the environment at the end of last year.

Zhao emerged as the nation's leader in environmental protection after he persistently demanded the suspension of the garbage incineration plant.

Yao Binhua, a press official with the Guangzhou government, said the change to the advisory paper was made after taking the suggestions of eight experts.

"It was only Zhao who opposed incineration. So some experts suggested changing the last part of the paper," Yao told China Daily on Wednesday.

Yao said the change did not mean the government was trying to clamp down opposition from experts and the public.

"We know Zhao is an anti-incineration expert. The government wanted to hear the opinion of different experts, which is why we invited them to take part in the discussion." Yao said.

Related

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• Environmental survey results over incinerator questioned
• Disputed garbage incinerator project suspended
• Garbage incinerator project delayed in S. China

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