Cleaner harbour: Maunsell Environmental Management Consultants have been awarded a $5 million contract for an impact assessment study on the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme.

Maunsell Environmental Management Consultants have been awarded a $5 million contract for an impact assessment study on the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme.

The 18-month study will investigate and identify potential environmental impact arising from the works.

It will recommend mitigation measures, and prepare the necessary environmental monitoring and audit programme for the works during the construction and operation stages.

Another key step

Assistant Director of Drainage Services (Sewage Services) Ko Wing-hon said the awarding of the contract signifies another key step in moving forward the scheme's Stage 2A.

The commissioning of Stage 1 in late 2001, which provides treatment to 75% of the sewage discharged into Victoria Harbour, has brought significant improvement in water quality to eastern and central harbour areas.

Upon the commissioning of the scheme's Stage 2A, targeted for 2013-14, the remaining 25% of sewage will be collected for chemical treatment and disinfection.