“What happens to all the water we use?” you might wonder. Here at the Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant, we transform wastewater back into something safe for the environment. This is more than just a plant. It is a vital organ keeping Cheung Chau healthy.
The Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The existing Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Works was commissioned in 1985. For over three decades, it has diligently served the island.
Initially, the Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant provided primary treatment. Primary treatment removed large solids from the sewage. It had a design capacity of 4,000 cubic meters per day. But as Cheung Chau grew, so did the need for better sewage treatment. The projected population is reaching approximately 38,000 in the near future. This calls for the demand to upgrade the water treatment facilities.
To meet these growing needs, a significant upgrade is underway. The plant’s capacity is being expanded to 9,800 cubic meters per day. Also, the treatment level is being upgraded to secondary. This means that more pollutants can be removed. The project integrates the gradual expansion of the village sewage infrastructure network to other unsewered areas of Cheung Chau in the future.
One of the key upgrades is the adoption of Membrane Bioreactor or MBR technology. MBR systems offer a smaller footprint. They also provide superior effluent quality. MBR sewage treatment system will be applied for organic, nitrogen, and bacteria removal, as well as solid and liquid separation.
But the Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade is about more than just technology. It also covers building works and road works. The upgrade includes drainage works and utility works. The improvements include architectural and landscaping enhancements. A deodourisation unit reduces odour impact. Acoustic louvres and silencers minimize noise. The spatial arrangement minimizes disturbance to existing trees. More trees will be planted to enhance the environment.
A portion of the treated effluent will be reused for non-potable purposes within the Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant. This includes process cleaning and toilet flushing. This reduces the demand for potable water.
This Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant also works closely with other projects. These include water supply improvements and road works. This ensures minimal disruption and coordinated efforts. Consultations were held with the Cheung Chau Rural Committee. Islands District Councilors also gave their inputs. General support for the Cheung Chau Sewerage Works was gained from the forum.
By 2026, this upgraded Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant will be complete. The project includes the upgrade of the Pak She Sewage Pumping Station. Its capacity will increase from 29,000 cubic meters per day to 42,000 cubic meters per day. This upgraded plant safeguards public health and the environment.
So, as you explore Cheung Chau, remember the Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant. It is not just a place where waste is treated. It’s a place where water is given a new lease on life. The Cheung Chau Sewage Treatment Plant embodies the principle of sustainability. It ensures a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.