Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Environmental Protection Department announced today an incident of suspected leachate leakage at the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill.
Department staff discovered the suspected leakage at around 2.30pm today at one of the landfill’s stormwater outfalls, which connects to the adjacent Tai Shui Hang.
According to current assessments, most of the leachate has been intercepted by a silt curtain regularly installed at the outfall, significantly limiting the amount of fluid entering Tai Shui Hang.
Water samples have been collected at the site for testing. Preliminary investigations revealed that the dissolved oxygen and the pH levels in the samples are normal, indicating no significant impact on the water quality or ecology in Tai Shui Hang and Deep Bay.
While the department conducts further testing and follow-up work, the WENT Landfill contractor has implemented a series of containment measures.
These actions include deploying tankers to clear leachate from the stormwater outfall and Tai Shui Hang, diverting the upstream flow to prevent water from entering the affected outfall and installing sandbags and extra silt curtains to enhance interception.
The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and clear the remaining leachate to prevent further discharge into Tai Shui Hang. It is also working with the contractor to investigate the cause of the incident and implement long-term preventative measures.