Burst
Author: Guo Qianwen Cai Zhengbang
2021-01-21 18:23
Last update date: 2021-01-21 18:23
Since this Tuesday (19th), the water in the Tai Wai section of Shing Mun River in Sha Tin has suddenly changed color. The milk-green river stretches for about 800 meters, which may affect the habitat of egrets.
The shallow water of the Shing Mun River near Wenli Pavilion has attracted hundreds of migratory birds to come to forage in previous years and become a city wonder.
The reporter from "Hong Kong 01" visited the Changmen River again today, only to see dozens of egrets perching for food, but the number was not as good as before.
Chen Pei-ming, vice chairman of the Health and Environment Committee of the Shatin District Council, said that many egrets live in the Shing Mun River area in winter, but the number has dropped sharply this year. There is concern that migratory birds will lose their habitats due to river pollution.
Chen also pointed out that the Environmental Protection Department has taken samples of river water for testing, and the reason for the discoloration of the river water is temporarily unknown.
The Drainage Services Department and the Environmental Protection Department said yesterday that they would take samples for testing.
A spokesman for the Drainage Services Department stated that officers had been sent to inspect the Shing Mun River and found that a section of the river near Tai Wai was relatively green in color.
The department also inspected the public drainage facilities near the Shing Mun River and they are all operating normally. The suspected pollution and water quality problems of the Shing Mun River have been referred to the Environmental Protection Department for investigation and follow-up, and will assist the Department in its investigation.
The Department will continue to monitor the situation and follow up with relevant departments in due course.
Environmental Protection Department: 5 complaints received
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said that a total of 5 complaints were received earlier, and personnel have been sent to the scene to cooperate with the investigation by drones. The scene found that a large area of the Chengmen River near Qin'an No. 8 has a greener color and a few sporadic deaths floating on the river surface. Fish and river water have no pungent odor or stench.
The investigators found no illegal discharges or suspicious sources of pollution along the river. After preliminary tests, the dissolved oxygen and temperature of the river water were normal. The river water samples were taken for further detailed tests to determine the cause of the river's greening.
The Department will continue to work with the Drainage Services Department to follow up and investigate storm drains in the relevant catchment areas. If the source of illegal discharge is found, it will take corresponding enforcement actions.
Chengmen River becomes milky, green drains spit out milky white sewage
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