The Drainage Services Department (DSD) and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (September 20) said that after Typhoon Mangkhut, the DSD had inspected its facilities and found that some of the pipes and secondary treatment facilities at the Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Works were damaged during the typhoon, such that the Sewage Treatment Works could only maintain its primary sewage treatment service. DSD staff conducted emergency repair works immediately with a view to resuming the normal operation of the sewage treatment plant as soon as possible. However, subsequent detailed inspections have found that the facilities were seriously damaged and it will take some time to complete the restoration works. As a temporary measure, an additional disinfection process has been arranged for the primary treated sewage before being bypassed for nearshore discharge, so as to minimise the impact to nearby waters.
In addition, three sections of rising main in Southern District of Hong Kong, namely a 450mm diameter pipe near Mills & Chung Path, a 150mm diameter pipe near Deep Water Bay Barbecue Area and a 300mm diameter pipe near Tai Tau Chau of Shek O, were damaged during Typhoon Mangkhut, leading to the discharge of sewage. The DSD has already arranged for emergency repairs and will start replacing the damaged sewers with a view to completing the repair works within three weeks.
Due to the need to clean up the debris after the typhoon and repair the shark prevention nets at the beaches nearby the Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Works (i.e. Kiu Tsui Beach, Trio Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach), as well as Deep Water Bay Beach and Shek O Beach, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced on September 17 that these beaches would be temporarily closed until further notice. Red flags have also been hoisted.
Seawater samples had already been collected by EPD staff at the three Sai Kung beaches, Deep Water Bay Beach and Shek O Beach and for testing to check the water quality of the beaches.
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The sewage bypass and overflow may lead to temporary deterioration of seawater quality in the vicinity. For health reasons, the public are advised to avoid recreational activities, angling or seawater abstraction in the potentially affected sea or waterfront areas at Port Shelter near Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Works and Deep Water Bay and Shek O in Southern District of Hong Kong.
The EPD and the DSD will continue monitoring the water quality at the beaches and nearby waters. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from EPD's websites (www.beachwq.gov.hk or www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.
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