Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to article on effect of water pollution around Pearl River estuary on Hong Kong and related measures on improving water quality

 
Letter to the Editor of SCMP – Response to article on effect of water pollution around Pearl River estuary on Hong Kong and related measures on improving water quality

I refer to the report (“Delta-wide pollution effort needed”, September 29), and would like to inform your readers of the efforts taken by the Government to improve water quality in Pearl River estuary and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong government and Guangdong provincial government have been collaborating closely on cross-boundary water quality protection in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) since the 80’s. Under the auspices of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection, the two Governments have regular meetings to discuss water quality issues of mutual concern and the appropriate management plans to help improve water quality in the PRD.

The collaboration not only covers Deep Bay and Mirs Bay which are shared by both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, but also extends to the wider region in the PRD. Apart from the two joint action plans that have been drawn up and are being implemented for Deep Bay and Mirs Bay respectively to reduce water pollution, Hong Kong and Guangdong governments have collaborated in studying the water quality in PRD and working on management plans in controlling water pollution.

In mid 2007, a PRD water quality model has been jointly developed and completed by Hong Kong and Guangdong, providing the two Governments with a scientific tool for devising management plans and strategies for controlling water pollution in the Pearl River Estuary. Both sides will continue to join hands to formulate regional water quality management plans for promoting the sustainable development of the Pearl River Delta.

With regard to the local pollution sources in Hong Kong, the completion of Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 1 has resulted in marked improvements in water quality. The construction of advanced disinfection facilities for HATS started in April this year for completion by end of 2009, resulting in further improvement in water quality. HATS Stage 2 is now progressing well in stages, with Stage 2A scheduled for commencement of construction in 2009 and with Stage 2B to be subject to a review in 2010/11. All views from various stakeholders will be taken into account during the review for Stage 2B.

We fully agree that tackling water pollution requires both the effort to tackle local pollution sources through HATS and the wider effort to work on delta-wide pollution. The Government will spare no effort on both.

Elvis WK AU 
for Director of Environmental Protection