Approach Beach Explained

Approach Beach
Map:Hong Kong
Location:Ting Kau, New Territories
Coordinates:22.3674°N 114.0865°W
Type:Beach
Free Label 1:Patrolled by
Free Label 2:Hazard rating
Free Label 3:Access

Approach Beach is a gazetted beach located near Yau Kom Tau on Castle Peak Road in Ting Kau, New Territories, Hong Kong. The beach has barbecue pits and is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Government.[1] The beach is rated as Grade 2 by the Environmental Protection Department for its water quality.[2]

The beach, along with Ting Kau Beach, is one of the only two gazetted beaches in Tsuen Wan District that can "swim in Victoria Harbour". The beach offers views of the Ting Kau Bridge as well as Tsing Ma Bridge.[3]

History

In May 1987, the beach was gazetted by the Hong Kong Government and Hong Kong Jockey Club assisted Regional Council to open the beach. Less than ten years after the opening, the oil pollution problem due to large ships had become more and more serious. However, since May 1995, the beaches in Tsuen Wan District were closed due to the construction of the nearby Ting Kau and Tsing Ma Bridges and no longer allowed the public to swim due to its poor water quality and lifeguard services have to be suspended.[4]

The beach has been reopened to the public for swimming since 15 June 2011.[5]

Water quality

In 1995, Approach Beach (along with two other nearby beaches) was closed because the water quality had worsened following the commissioning of Stage 1 of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS).[6] While HATS Stage 1 overall improved water quality in Victoria Harbour, it worsened conditions in the western area of the harbour because of the large quantity of non-disinfected effluent being released from the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works.[7] [8]

Permanent disinfection facilities were built at Stonecutters Island under HATS Stage 2, and water quality subsequently improved. Approach Beach was officially reopened to swimmers on 15 June 2011, and lifeguards are provided there once again.[5]

Features

The beach has the following features:[1]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Leisure and Cultural Services Department - Beaches and Swimming Pools - Tsuen Wan. Leisure and Cultural Services Department. 15 April 2021.
  2. Web site: Environmental Protection Interactive Centre : Beach Water Quality Data. Environmental Protection Department. 15 April 2021.
  3. News: How Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan beaches are returning to former glory as water quality improves South China Morning Post. Christopher. DeWolf. South China Morning Post. 12 August 2019. 15 April 2021.
  4. News: Four beaches highly polluted South China Morning Post. South China Morning Post. 27 February 1996. 15 April 2021.
  5. Web site: Four beaches in Tsuen Wan to reopen with improved water quality (with photos). Hong Kong Government. 13 June 2011. 15 April 2021.
  6. Web site: Director of Audit's reports, Report No. 42. Audit Commission. 31 March 2004. 15 April 2021.
  7. Web site: Project Description (Operational Phase Monitoring). HATS Stage 2A – Provision of Disinfection Facilities at SCISTW. Drainage Services Department. 15 April 2021.
  8. Web site: Caring for our Harbour. Harbour Area Treatment Scheme. Drainage Services Department. 15 April 2021.

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