Not feasible to store granite under soil, turf

Reply from BCA, Straits Times Forum 27 Nov 07;

I REFER to the suggestion by Dr Geh Min of the Nature Society to grow greenery on the granite stockpile ('Proposal to green grey granite stockpile'; ST, Nov 16).

We would like to clarify that the stockpile area is smaller than what Dr Geh had described, and that the Lim Chu Kang site is not earmarked for agriculture. It is zoned 'Reserve' in Master Plan 2003 - the specific use has not been determined for the next 15 to 20 years.

As to the suggestion to grow greenery on the granite stockpile, we would like to explain that storing granite under soil and turf on a long-term basis will result in contamination of the granite aggregates with dirt, fungi and algae. As building safety is of paramount importance, we cannot afford to compromise the quality of the granite aggregates, which must meet stringent technical standards before they can be used for construction.

Extensive efforts and resources would be needed to clean the granite aggregates when they are required for use subsequently. Not only will the cleaning process take too long in the event the granite aggregates are needed immediately due to supply disruption, but the usable quantity after processing would also likely be reduced significantly. Therefore, it is not feasible to store granite under soil and turf.

We will continue to maintain an open line of communication with the farmers for any further feedback and put in measures (as is currently being done) to mitigate any concerns. With everyone's cooperation and understanding, we believe that it is possible for both the stockpile and the farms to co-exist at Lim Chu Kang. We thank Dr Geh for her suggestion.

William Tan
Director
Business Development Division Building and Construction Authority