The third-phase of Shanghai's sewage treatment project is near completion after the last section of underground piping was put in place today.

As the lead development of the new three-year environmental project plan it'll be completed by the end of the year, a year ahead of schedule, authorities revealed.

Shanghai's level of wastewater treatment is expected to reach 80 percent by 2010 and 90 percent by 2020. This is close to the level of cities in developed countries.

The third-phase sewage treatment development, which got underway in December 2003, is composed of three sub-projects. These include a wastewater pipe system, wastewater collection and the second Zhuyuan sewage disposal facility. With a daily capacity of 1.09 million tons of wastewater the system will serve an area of 171.68 square kilometers and 2.43 million people.

The installation of the 25-kilometer-long pipe is the most difficult task of the   project, a construction worker said. High levels of methane gas were another issue during the last construction period. However, the difficulties were overcome thanks to the hard work of staff.

The project is expected to meet the national wastewater discharge standard when completed. Shanghai will have built a framework for wastewater collection and disposal in downtown areas by then.

The rate of wastewater collection, disposal and facilities used will be increased and at the same time rivers like the Huangpu and Suzhou may face less pressure from pollution. This paves the way for the restoration of the city's eco-environment.

(Shanghai Daily January 24, 2007)