The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government yesterday disclosed a HK$19.5 billion proposal to treat sewage in Victoria Harbor, which includes the building of a new biological treatment plant on Stonecutters Island.

At a press conference yesterday, Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao announced a four-month public consultation exercise for the Harbor Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2.

Despite the high cost, Liao believes a clean Victoria Harbor is a key factor for Hong Kong's sustained development.

"If we really want to be the Asia's World City and attract investments, better harbor quality is really needed," said Liao.

HATS Stage 1 is now treating 75 per cent of the sewage generated from both sides of Victoria Harbor while the remaining 25 per cent is still being discharged into the harbor almost untreated. "This is not sustainable environmentally," she said, stressing the need to implement HATS Stage 2.

According to the proposal, HATS Stage 2 will be carried out in two stages. Stage 2A will see the extension of the deep tunnel network, expansion of the existing chemical treatment capacity and provision of disinfection, which will cost HK$8.4 billion to construct and HK$440 million a year to operate.

"By completing Stage 2A, we will be able to achieve most of our water quality criteria in the majority of the harbor area, leading to a healthier marine environment," Liao said.

"This will enable us to re-open and sustain the public enjoyment of all the Tsuen Wan beaches as well as to conduct ad hoc events such as cross-harbor swims," she added.

In Stage 2B, biological treatment facilities will be built at a site near Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works. It will be built underground to allow for other uses or co-development on top and is expected to cost HK$11.1 billion to construct and HK$720 million to operate.

"The government is fully committed to Stage 2B even though we propose to implement it when the actual need arises," Liao said.

HATS Stage 1 is now collecting and treating the sewage collected from the entire Kowloon, Tseung Kwan O and part of Hong Kong Island including Chai Wan and Shau Kei Wan.

Stonecutters Island Works now treats 1.4 million cubic meters of sewage daily and stops 600 tonnes of sludge from entering the harbor, according to the government.

The four-month public consultation exercise on HATS Stage 2 will last until October 20. In-depth briefings will be provided to key stakeholders such as green groups, academics, professional bodies and community representatives. The bureau will also hold a public hearing to collect the views of the public directly.

(China Daily June 22, 2004)