Pollution down 80% in key districts

In the 2022 Policy Address, the Government set a target of reducing by half the pollution loading at stormwater outfalls with serious pollution problems on both sides of Victoria Harbour, in particular at Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City, by the end of this year.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Buildings Department, Drainage Services Department (DSD) and Environmental Protection Department (EPD), as of the second quarter of 2024, the pollution levels not only met but exceeded the target, dropping by about 80%.

The Environmental Protection Department locates the misconnection of sewage pipes through dye tracing.

A recent survey by the EPD at the Tsuen Wan waterfront showed that 75% of respondents noted an improvement in odour levels, with nearly half of them reporting a significant improvement.

Moreover, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide, a key indicator of odour intensity, has dropped significantly by about 80% from April 2022 to this August in the area.

“Unlike past years, in the morning, it was very smelly. The wind is so fresh today. I don’t smell anything,” said a Tsuen Wan resident, who has been living in the area for two years. 

The Environmental Protection Department conducts regular water monitoring at the Tsuen Wan waterfront.

Misconnections of sewage pipes to the stormwater drainage system in old districts can cause major odour problems because the sewage is then discharged through stormwater drains to the three main underground box culverts in Tsuen Wan District, and eventually flows out to the waterfront.

The EPD plays a crucial role in locating the pollution sources.

“We first collect and analyse water samples to identify areas with potential pollution sources. We then, based on the drainage map of the DSD, trace the exact location of misconnection from downstream to upstream through dye tracing, pipeline closed-circuit television robots and other smart tools,” Environmental Protection Department Senior Environmental Protection Officer Fanny Wong explained.

Environmental Protection Department Senior Environmental Protection Officer Fanny Wong says overall drainage outlet pollution levels have dropped by about 80%, exceeding the target set in the 2022 Policy Address.

The Buildings Department then steps in to follow up with misconnections.

“Once we confirm there is misconnection in private buildings, we will issue an order to the liable party or the owners of the building, requiring them to rectify the situation,” said Buildings Department Senior Structural Engineer Sonny Kan.

Buildings Department Senior Structural Engineer Sonny Kan says the department will issue an order to the liable parties when a misconnection of sewage in private buildings is found.

Similar misconnections exist in public sewers, which are followed up by the DSD, which also expands infrastructure to accommodate population growth and sustainable development in Tsuen Wan.

“The DSD is constructing approximately 7km of sewers through public works projects. The project started in July 2020 and the progress is satisfactory. The project is anticipated for completion in phases by mid-2026,” Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer John Leung added.

Between 2022 and the third quarter of 2024, 36 cases in Tsuen Wan have been rectified, addressing 89% of its total pollution. Sham Shui Po resolved 16 cases, tackling 66% of its total pollution, while Kowloon City rectified 32 cases, eliminating 99% of its total pollution.

Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer John Leung says the department is planning a sewage programme for nine villages in Tsuen Wan.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases