XN000022-1996-04-26 — Page 14

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Speaking at the contract-signing ceremony today (Friday), EPD's Assistant Director, Dr Michael Chiu, said: "The study will evaluate and compare the various outfall and treatment options identified in the previous review study of SSDS Stage II.

"It will then determine the most preferred outfall location and the level of treatment for Stage II and remaining stages of the scheme needed to provide long-term protection for Hong Kong's waters in the most cost-effective manner."

The study would also identify possible sites for any additional sewage treatment facilities that might be required.

To be completed in 24 months, the study will be carried out in two phases. Phase I of the study will involve comprehensive surveys to collect water quality and ecological data, evaluate the identified treatment and outfall options, and select the preferred option.

Phase II will provide a schematic design and a comprehensive environmental impact assessment of the construction and operation impacts of the preferred option.

"The Government is currently implementing Stage I of the SSDS, which involves the construction of a deep tunnel sewage collection system for Kowloon and Hong Kong Island East, a chemically enhanced primary treatment works on Stonecutters Island and a short interim sewage outfall discharging into the western harbour," Dr Chiu said.

When completed in 1997, the system will collect and provide treatment to 70 per cent of the polluting flows now entering the main harbour area.

"While stage I work will bring about early improvements to the harbour, it is recognised that the problem of water pollution in the harbour will not be totally resolved until the full scheme is implemented.," he said.

"There is therefore an urgent need to carry out the consultancy study so that an early decision on the implementation of the remaining stages can be made," he said.

Also present at today's contract-signing ceremony were the Managing Director of Montgomery Watson Hong Kong Limited, Mr Peter Chan, and the General Manager of Binhai Wastewater Treatment and Disposal (Hong Kong) Consultants Limited, Mr Liao Xiangui.

End