The review panel has until the start of 2005 to make a decision

A requete by Deputy Scott Ogier persuaded the States to explore alternatives before committing to a �72m development at Longue Hougue.

The five-strong review team, led by Guernsey advocate Roger Dadd, was appointed on Friday.

It has until the start of 2005 to say if the proposed plant should go ahead.

'Cast the net'

Guernsey's States agreed in July by 23 votes to 20 in favour of Deputy Ogier's requete for an inquiry into the proposals to build the plant.

The planned 100ft (30m) high plant has been criticised by locals for the affect it may have.

Deputy Ogier added the plant outlined in the current plans was expensive, large and unsophisticated.

He said there were alternatives available in a changing market place and suggested more recycling instead of mass burning of all waste.

He said of the panel's work: "I think they can cast their net around to see if any viable alternatives can be looked at.

"There is an option to ship waste off the island to Europe, but that is for them to delve into the legal issues.

"But I think there can be some significant tasks done in the four months they have left."

Expert panel

Environment officials say they have been closely involved with the project and there is no cause for alarm.

Roger Dadd has been appointed chairman of the review panel.

He will preside over four UK experts who include: Richard Eales from the National Audit Office and Steve Lee, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management.

The rest of the panel is made up of David Purchon, a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner, and Dr Marian Kelly, a policy executive at the Environmental Services Association.