DSD to start second stage of maintenance works for Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works next month
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The SCISTW has been in continuous operation 24 hours a day over the past 16 years since its commissioning in December 2001, during which the DSD has been providing timely maintenance. However, some of the electrical and mechanical facilities are now approaching the end of their service life. Replacement works have to be carried out to maintain proper functioning of the system.
The maintenance and replacement works will require partial bypass of preliminarily treated sewage at the upstream preliminary treatment works into Victoria Harbour on five occasions, each not exceeding two weeks. The first bypass has been undertaken as planned from February 20 to March 4 this year. The second and third bypasses are respectively scheduled to take place during the non-bathing season from November 5 to 16 this year, and from March 4 to 17, 2019.
Sewage bypass involves the submarine discharge of preliminarily treated sewage at seven of the 16 preliminary treatment works located on either side of Victoria Harbour (Chai Wan, Shau Kei Wan, Tseung Kwan O, Kwun Tong, To Kwa Wan, Tsing Yi and Kwai Chung preliminary treatment works) for dilution and dispersion at deep sea level. Areas concerned include the waters of Hong Kong Island East, Kowloon East and the Rambler Channel.
Prior to the first bypass, the DSD's consultants had carried out an assessment of the potential impact of the bypass on water quality, and formulated a series of mitigation measures for implementation during the bypass through detailed water quality modelling. As attested by water quality monitoring results during the first bypass earlier this year, the mitigation measures can achieve their designed purpose and the impact on the water quality of Victoria Harbour was slight and transient. The water quality returned to normal a few days after cessation of the bypass. The bypass did not have a significant impact on the sensitive waters including beaches in Tsuen Wan, fish culture zones and coral sites near Victoria Harbour.
The DSD has formulated similar mitigation and contingency measures, and will closely monitor the water quality of Victoria Harbour during the second and third bypasses. The monitoring results will be uploaded to the DSD's website for public perusal (www.dsd.gov.hk/others/HATS1bypass).
The public should avoid water sports, angling or seawater extraction in the potentially affected locations during the bypass periods. Notices will be put up at relevant places, including Approach Beach, Ting Kau Beach, Lido Beach, Casam Beach, Hoi Mei Wan, Gemini Beaches, Anglers' Beach, Ma Wan Tung Wan and promenades along Victoria Harbour, to remind the public of the potential effect of the works.
During the above periods of maintenance works and sewage bypasses, members of the public may call the DSD's hotline 7388 9900 (operating daily from 8am to 10pm) or email enquiry@dsd.gov.hk for enquiries.
Ends/Monday, October 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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