***********************************************************
A significant improvement in water quality at Hong Kong's bathing beaches was recorded during the past year, according to a 2010 report.
The report, which summarises the annual ranking of the gazetted beaches in Hong Kong, was published by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (April 1).
"In 2010, all 41 gazetted beaches had an annual ranking of either 'Good' or 'Fair', and for the first time all achieved full compliance with the Water Quality Objective (WQO) promulgated for bathing waters since our monitoring programme was established in 1986. It represents further improvement from 93% compliance in 2009, and 83% from 2003 to 2008, as well as a substantial progress from the 63% compliance rate recorded in 1997," a spokesman for the EPD said (Figure 1).
"The improvement in the overall compliance rate in 2010 is largely attributable to the improvement of three beaches along the Tsuen Wan coast, namely Anglers', Approach and Gemini beaches from 'Poor' in 2009 to 'Fair' in 2010."
"The water quality improvement was brought about by the Government's continuous effort in providing new public sewers in phases along Castle Peak Road, and in enforcing environmental legislation," the spokesman said.
"In addition, after the commissioning of the Advance Disinfection Facilities (ADF) at the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (STW) on March 1, 2010, the treated effluent from the STW now undergoes disinfection before being discharged through the submarine outfall. It further improves the water quality of the Tsuen Wan beaches and facilitates the early re-opening of some of the beaches in the coming bathing season," he said (Figure 2).
To further improve the water quality of the Tsuen Wan beaches and Victoria Harbour, the Government has commenced 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.
"The EPD will maintain close monitoring of the seven beaches along the Tsuen Wan coast in the 2011 bathing season to ascertain whether the improvement is continuing," the spokesman added.
The beach water quality report can be found on a dedicated website at www.beachwq.gov.hk and EPD's website at www.epd.gov.hk .
Ends/Friday, April 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:05
NNNN
