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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) published a report on 2009 beach water quality in Hong Kong.
"In 2009, 38 (or 93%) of the 41 gazetted beaches complied with the Water Quality Objectives (WQO), which is the highest compliance rate since the EPD's monitoring programme began in 1986. It represents a marked improvement from 83% achieved in the last six years from 2003 to 2008 as well as a substantial improvement from the 63% compliance rate recorded in 1997," a spokesman for the EPD said today (April 1).
"The improvement in the overall compliance rate in 2009 related to the upgrading of the annual ranking of four beaches along Tsuen Wan coast, namely Casam, Hoi Mei Wan, Lido and Ting Kau Beaches, from 'poor' in 2008 to 'fair' in 2009.
"It was attributed in part to the Government's continuous effort in providing new public sewers in phases along Castle Peak Road and in enforcing environmental legislation. The drier summer in 2009 compared to 2008 could also be a crucial factor," the spokesman said.
"The Advance Disinfection Facilities at the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (STW) have been in full operation since March 1, 2010. The disinfection of effluent at the Stonecutters Island STW, together with the provision of public sewers in the beach hinterland, is expected to further improve the water quality of Tsuen Wan beaches and facilitate the early re-opening of the beaches," he said.
To further improve the water quality conditions of the Tsuen Wan beaches and Victoria Harbour, the Government has started the construction of Stage 2A of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS Stage 2A), including a 21-km sewage conveyance system and other upgrading works at related sewage treatment plants.
"Close monitoring of the seven beaches along the Tsuen Wan coast will continue in the bathing season in 2010 to ascertain that the observed improvement can be sustained and that the water quality can meet the WQO," the spokesman added.
More details of the beach water quality report can be found on the EPD's web site: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/bwq_report.html .
Ends/Thursday, April 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:54
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