System failure forced another shutdown of Tynes Bay at the weekend.

Refuse will be stored in the refuse bunker, and any overflow in the contingency yard, while repairs are underway.

A Government spokesman said yesterday: "We can confirm that Combustion Stream No. Two at Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility was shut down [Sunday] evening as a result of a boiler leak and the failure of the pollution control system."

He said since 1998 both incinerators have been working full-time, leading to wear and tear.

"The two streams have deteriorated in a number of areas, a circumstance that has contributed to [Sunday] evening's shutdown," he said.

"Without the necessary redundancy as provided by a spare or third stream, essential maintenance could not be carried out to the desired level.

"However, the public is advised that Government recently approved significant expenditure for the refurbishment of both Stream One and Stream Two. Plans are also underway for the construction of a third incineration stream."

Tynes Bay disposes of up to 70,000 tonnes of garbage each year.

A third stream would allow more flexibility for shutdowns for regular maintenance. It would also help the Island meet a projected two percent increase in waste per annum.

Last week however, Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess said plans for a third stream have had to be postponed due to budgetary constraints.

Instead Government will refurbish Stream No. Two later this year. The incinerator will shut down for four months from November to undergo repairs.

This will include a reconditioned furnace, refurbishment of the combustion system and a refitted boiler system.

Work on the third incinerator has been postponed until 2011.