Suspected leakage of leachate from WENT Landfill
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At around 2.30pm today, the EPD found that there was suspected leakage of leachate at one of the stormwater outfalls at the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill. The stormwater outfall connects to Tai Shui Hang next to the landfill. Based on current assessments, most of the leachate has been intercepted by a silt curtain regularly installed at the stormwater outfall, so the amount of leachate leaked to Tai Shui Hang has been limited.
The EPD has collected water samples at the location concerned for testing. Preliminary investigation revealed that the dissolved oxygen and the pH levels in the water samples are normal, with no signs that there is a significant impact on the water quality and ecology in Tai Shui Hang and the Deep Bay. The EPD will conduct more testing and follow up on the matter.
The contractor of the EPD's WENT Landfill has taken a series of follow-up measures, including:
- Arranging tankers to remove leachate from the stormwater outfall and Tai Shui Hang;
- Arranging a diversion upstream of the stormwater outfall to intercept the water source from entering the outfall; and
- Arranging additional measures, including placing sandbags and adding extra silt curtains, to further intercept the suspected leakage of leachate.
The EPD will continue to closely monitor the situation and strive to remove the leachate to prevent continuous leakage to Tai Shui Hang. The EPD will also work with the landfill contractor to investigate the cause of the incident so as to take further measures to tackle the problem at source.
Ends/Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 23:02
Issued at HKT 23:02
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