The Environmental Protection Department has proposed building a sludge treatment facility with a daily capacity of 2,000 tonnes at Tsang Tsui near Nim Wan, Tuen Mun.

The project profile was submitted today for the application of the Environmental Impact Assessment study brief. The study is expected to begin in October.

The proposed facility will adopt state-of-the-art incineration technology and it will be designed to meet the most stringent emission standards and ensure full compliance of all prevailing environmental standards.

Hong Kong produces about 900 tonnes of sewage sludge daily. This will increase to more than 1,500 tonnes after the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A comes into operation and other sewage treatment works are upgraded by 2014.

The disposal of this much sludge to landfills is not sustainable, as it will exhaust landfill space and affect the landfill stability. That is why developing a dedicated sludge treatment facility is necessary, the department said.