The Environmental Protection Department has refuted claims the extended seawall of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge's Hong Kong section violated its environmental permit.
The department issued a statement today in response to recent media speculation that a seawall has collapsed and violated environment law.
It noted the Highways Department was granted an environmental permit in 2009 to carry out the works, which would adopt a dredged construction method for reclamation, affecting 37 hectares of seabed of low ecological value.
In 2011 the Highways Department applied for a variation of the permit to a non-dredged method to reclaim land and construct the seawall, which included a temporary rock-filled platform outside the seawall.
The application was granted as the affected seabed would not be enlarged and the new method could help reduce environmental impact.
Highways Department reports showed water quality standards in the reclamation areas were met.
The Environmental Protection Department has been conducting surprise inspections monthly to ensure all environmental protection requirements are being complied with.
It is seeking further information from the Highways Department and contractors to verify the findings, and will take enforcement action if necessary.