Ever wondered where the wastewater from Yuen Long South goes? Right here before you stands the Au Tau Sewage Pumping Station. This unassuming structure plays a vital role in Hong Kong’s infrastructure. It’s not glamorous but it’s essential.
The Au Tau Sewage Pumping Station is part of a larger sewerage system. It’s designed to convey sewage from Au Tau and parts of Yuen Long South. The sewage travels to the San Wai Sewage Treatment Works for processing before discharge. This station wasn’t always here. Its location was carefully chosen to avoid disrupting nearby lotus ponds.
Initially the Au Tau Sewage Pumping Station’s design and construction were handled by the Drainage Services Department’s Sewerage Projects Division and Electrical and Mechanical Projects Division. Later the Sewage Treatment Division took over operation and maintenance. Construction was planned to begin around June 2003 with an estimated completion date of June 2005. However delays occurred due to environmental concerns requiring relocation and redesign.
The station’s design incorporated measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts. These included minimizing dust and noise pollution during construction. Odor control was prioritized during operation. Screens were installed to prevent large debris from damaging the pumps. The station’s aesthetics were also considered to lessen its visual impact on the surrounding villages.
The station’s average dry weather flow capacity is a significant 12200 cubic meters per day. To handle this volume three pumps were installed underground. Two are for regular operation and one acts as a standby. The entire pumping station is housed within an enclosed superstructure. The Au Tau Sewage Pumping Station’s proximity to Pok Oi Hospital necessitated careful planning. The distance and a natural barrier created by Castle Peak Road minimized any potential impact.
The Au Tau Sewage Pumping Station is a crucial piece of Hong Kong’s unseen infrastructure. It silently works to maintain the city’s cleanliness and health. Its existence ensures that the water around us stays clean. It’s a testament to the engineering and environmental considerations built into modern sewage management. It’s a reminder of the intricate systems that support our daily lives.