Environmental pressure group Greenpeace opposes the plant

Professor Jim Swithenbank, an expert on the thermal treatment of waste, thinks health concerns over a proposed waste-to-energy plant are unfounded.

However, the professor from Sheffield University, says the residue left after burning is more hazardous.

He says the risks from the plant are minimal, but the ash is toxic. It can be detoxified, but it is expensive.

States delay

Professor Swithenbank said: "If you do not detoxify it, then you have to put it into special hazardous landfill that can protect the environment from any pollutants."

But the environmental campaign group Greenpeace believes Guernsey's States is right to re-examine the proposed waste to energy plant in St Sampson's.

The group is against any form of incineration scheme and says as much as possible should be done to promote recycling and re-use schemes in the island to reduce the amount of waste produced.

Guernsey's States agreed to delay the plans at the beginning of July.

The planned 100ft (30m) high plant, which will cost about �72m, has been criticised by locals for the effect it may have.