***********************************************************
Clean Harbour 1, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) sludge vessel built under the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A, set sail today (March 5). Clean Harbour 1, together with the new Clean Harbour 2, will be responsible for delivering all sludge from the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW) to the sludge treatment facility in Tuen Mun, significantly minimising the traffic and environmental impacts arising from land transport.
Officiating at the maiden voyage ceremony, the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, said the HATS has significantly improved the water quality of Victoria Harbour after years of efforts. All closed beaches in Tsuen Wan have been re-opened, the suspended Cross-Harbour Swimming Race was revived in 2011 and the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races have been held in the Harbour again in recent years.
He pointed out that upon commissioning in the third quarter this year, the HATS will be able to treat all the sewage generated on both sides of the harbour, thereby further improving the water quality of the harbour in the long run. He added that further to this year's Policy Address regarding the initiatives on promoting water-friendly culture and activities, the Government plans to develop more water activities at the harbour with a view to enhancing citizens' living standards and lifting the international image of Hong Kong.
The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Daniel Chung, also officiated at the ceremony. He said, "After the commissioning of the HATS Stage 2A, the sludge generated daily at SCISTW is anticipated to increase from 600 tonnes to 800 tonnes, and ultimately to 1 200 tonnes. We have built the first two environmentally friendly cargo vessels in Hong Kong for sludge delivery to minimise the traffic and environmental impacts arising from sludge delivery. This is the first time that a works department of the Government has built vessels. Integrated with the latest environmental protection technology, the vessels will assist in the daily operation of the department and provide cleaner services."
The HATS Stage 2A will collect sewage from the northern and southwestern parts of Hong Kong Island and convey it to SCISTW for treatment. The main works were completed in January this year and the project team is now conducting a six-month testing and commissioning stage. The facilities are anticipated to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2015.
Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included the Chairman of the Sham Shui Po District Council, Mr Kwok Chun-wah, and the District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Mr Benjamin Mok.
Ends/Thursday, March 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:41
NNNN