Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool inspected
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A joint inspection of Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool was conducted today (September 2) by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Police.

According to observations made by FEHD staff, the general environmental hygiene of the swimming pool compound was satisfactory, but several surface channels were found to have accumulated with organic debris.

Several sites favourable to the breeding of chironomidae have been found.

Specimens of different life stages of chironomidae were found at some locations around the swimming pool but those locations are separated from the pool's filtration and circulation systems.

Preliminary examinations of the specimens collected revealed about 5,000 larvae, some 300 pupae and about 30 adults.

It is believed that there was natural breeding of chironomidae in the compound and investigation will continue tomorrow.

"We have carried out superchlorination to the pool water and will thoroughly inspect all areas inside the swimming venue to ensure no presence of bloodworms," a spokesman for the LCSD said.

"We will make sure that the entire swimming pool complex is clean and the pool water is up to the required health standard before it is reopened for public use," he added.

The LCSD and FEHD had already started the implementation of a joint programme to inspect all LCSD swimming pools to identify areas for improvement.

Meanwhile, two bloodworms were sighted at an outdoor site of Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool today. The pool water is not affected but cleansing work has been stepped up.


Ends/Thursday, September 2, 2004
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