The Environmental Protection Department said today that it will follow up on recommendations set out by the Ombudsman in an investigative report on the Government’s enforcement actions against defective sewage works serving New Territories Exempted Houses.

In an announcement, the department noted that the Ombudsman had recognised its work in introducing new technologies as additional investigation tools to detect pollution sources.

Responding to the report's recommendation that it should expand its use of electronic media, social platforms and public announcements to increase awareness among residents of village houses in the New Territories regarding the importance of the proper use of septic tank systems and their maintenance, the department highlighted that it launched a publicity campaign at the end of 2022.

The campaign included setting up a thematic webpage offering Tips on Proper Operation of a Septic Tank System and, with the support of the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories, distributing publicity materials to residents of village houses not yet connected to public sewage systems. 

As of July, it said, more than 30,000 publicity packs had been distributed to more than 300 villages.

The department also stressed that it supported the report's recommendation with regard to the setting up of an interdepartmental working group. It said it had attended an inaugural interdepartmental meeting held in early August to discuss and formulate referral procedures and methods for the exchange of information among departments.