Foul odor in Areia Preta linked to Lot P temporary housing project

The foul odor at Av. Norte do Hipódromo in Areia Preta and the elderly housing facility originates from unpleasant smells overflowing from the drainage channels associated with the Lot P temporary housing project.

In a joint statement yesterday, the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) and the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) said that the issue has been worsened by ongoing cleaning operation.

In light of these findings, an inter-departmental committee meeting was held yesterday to urge the project contractor to adopt effective mitigation measures.

These measures include enhancing cleaning protocols, improving sealing during the cleaning process, and installing activated carbon filters at exhaust outlets to help alleviate the odors. The cleaning operations are expected to be completed within the week.

In addition to the issues related to the temporary housing project, the discharge of sewage and sediment from the stormwater box culvert in Av. Norte do Hipódromo has also been identified as a sporadic source of odor.

The inter-departmental committee has requested that the relevant cleansing company increase its efforts to regularly clean the stormwater channels, ensuring that sediment buildup does not contribute to the unpleasant smells.

While the current odor issue is not directly linked to the design and construction of the northern section of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the bureaus said it is taking proactive steps to mitigate any potential impacts.

Measures include cleaning temporary drainage channels, diverting seawater to dilute effluents, and regularly flushing outfalls to prevent odor accumulation.

Long-term plans are also underway to increase sewage treatment capacity, particularly with the ongoing development of a sewage treatment plant on the artificial island of the Macao Boundary Crossing Facilities of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

According to DSPA, the issue was raised in a written question by lawmaker Ron Lam, who pointed out that the mudflat development work for the construction of the light rail system has been underway for over a year.

Residents have complained that the sewage interception pipes and the drainage outlet of the pumping station are clogged with stones and waste, causing the accumulation of sludge and the release of a foul smell.

In response, the DSPA explained that in 2016, there were only three rainwater discharge outlets along Av. Norte do Hipódromo, and the wastewater interception works completed in 2019 covered these three outlets.

However, DSPA has now revealed that there are five rainwater drainage points near the seafront, with two of them also draining wastewater.

Residents in the area have reported experiencing a persistent foul smell when walking in the area, and some have even observed oil and other floating objects on the sea surface.

Lam has called for the government to investigate the reasons for the misconnection of storm sewers, including whether the relevant design companies need to be held accountable and the source of the sewage.

Lawmaker Leong Hong Sai has suggested that interception projects should be carried out at outfalls where sewage is found, and sewage should be directed into sewage treatment plants. Victoria Chan