But an attempt by Islands District councillor Amy Yung to get two compromise proposals discussed by the Environmental Protection Department's environment improvement and food hygiene committee meeting Monday got nowhere.

The government instead issued an environmental permit allowing Disney to put on a nightly show after it opens on September 12.

``The public was not consulted when Sunny Bay was selected as the site for Disneyland. Now our two requests concerning the reduction of pollution have been rejected,'' Yung said.

She said her main aim in bringing up the issue was to urge Disney to use a gunpowder-less, compressed-air technology to launch its fireworks.

This new technology uses compressed air to lift the fireworks, instead of gunpowder. It is quieter and causes less air pollution.

``It can effectively help reduce air and noise pollution. It will also lower the risks during the transportation and storage as well as the fireworks displays,'' Yung said.

She also proposed that Disney abandons fireworks displays on nights when pollution is high.

But instead of a discussion, Yung was given a written response which did not include a convincing explanation as to why her proposal was declined.

The EPD said that the Environmental Impact Assessment report for Disney had been approved, and an Environmental Permit was issued under the EIA Ordinance for the construction and operation of Disney, including the fireworks displays.

Disneyland spokeswoman Esther Wong said that, as Disney theme parks are configured differently, the use of an air launch was not feasible or effective in places like Hong Kong Disney.

``The trial methodology and the results of the trial tests show that the fireworks shows comply with all the requirements set forth by the EIA,'' Wong said.

But Yung said the reports of the two fireworks tests were not complete and that some data were missing. ``Discovery Bay is a quiet place and the nightly fireworks displays are almost certain to irritate the residents,'' Yung said. ``We thought our suggested compromises were reasonable, but these were rejected.''

wendy.leung@singtaonewscorp.com