Lack of evidence: Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao refutes allegations the Tamar ground soil contains highly concentrated dioxins.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says there is no evidence to substantiate allegations the Tamar ground soil contains highly concentrated dioxins.

Speaking to the press today, Dr Liao said the Tamar site is formed mainly from Central Reclamation Phase II and the Government had used standard and clean material for the work.

People should not mix up the site with the former Cheoy Lee Shipyard because the site has never been used as a shipyard, she noted.

"Based on the site's history, we believe the ground soil unlikely contains highly concentrated dioxins."

Mainland officials have not commented

Results of the assessment conducted in 2003 revealed a small amount of contaminant with traces of heavy metal, but these could be completely disposed of according to ordinary and established procedures, Dr Liao noted.

She also clarified that the State Environmental Protection Administration has never made any comment on the contamination related to the Tamar site.

"It states very firmly that this is something that they have not commented on and will not comment on because this it something for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to carry out for itself," she said.