SARS-free: In a recent analysis, sewage and marine water samples collected from Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works have been found SARS-free.

SARS has not been found in sewage and marine water samples recently collected.

Replying to a query from Frederick Fung in the Legislative Council today, Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao said the samples were taken from Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works, a fish culture zone in Ma Wan, and a bathing beach at Tung Wan.

She said it is impossible to differentiate wastewater from Princess Margaret Hospital and other individual discharges, adding that disinfectant has been added to the hospital's flush water supply system.

Effluent from sewerage treatment works is discharged into the western anchorage area from where it is dispersed and diluted by currents, well away from residents.

She said the Government is looking at the environmental and engineering feasibility of raising the level of treatment to include a biological process, with a view to discharging the treated effluent inshore permanently.

A report will be ready by the end of this year for public consultation.

Regarding the way forward on the remaining stages of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme, Dr Liao said it will be decided after taking into account the views received, in particular whether the community is willing to share the cost of improving the environment.