High Petroleum Levels Detected in Hong Kong Wetland Following Oil Spill

In September 2023, a significant oil spill occurred in the protected wetlands of Pui O on southern Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Following the incident, a study conducted by Greenpeace revealed that petroleum concentrations in the area reached levels up to 40 times higher than those found in unaffected regions. The environmental group reported that 70% of the 18 soil and water samples collected from the affected wetlands showed significantly elevated levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH).

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Greenpeace has expressed concerns that the high concentration of petroleum could lead to long-term ecological damage, threatening the diverse local wildlife. Pui O is noted for its ecological significance, hosting the largest freshwater wetland on Lantau Island, which supports endangered species such as the Romer’s tree frog and a large population of water buffalo. The group emphasized that the contamination could enter the food web through bioaccumulation, further exacerbating the ecological risks.

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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has stated that it treated the oil spill with "utmost seriousness." According to a department spokesperson, the wetland is currently in good condition, and the ecological environment is undergoing restoration. The EPD reported that the area of contamination was approximately 0.02 hectares and that immediate clean-up measures were implemented, including the deployment of oil-absorbent pads. The department also conducted joint investigations with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, asserting that the habitat has been progressively recovering since late September.

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Despite the EPD's assurances, Greenpeace criticized the department for not investigating the source of the oil spill or enforcing regulations effectively. Andy Chu Kong, a campaigner for Greenpeace, stated that the lack of thorough investigation allowed the issue to be "swept under the carpet," potentially breaching conservation commitments. The group has called for the inclusion of unprotected sites with high ecological value in priority conservation projects and urged for clear implementation details and timelines.

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While the EPD claims that the ecological environment is returning to normal, Greenpeace argues that years of degradation in Pui O have resulted from insufficient proactive conservation policies. The environmental group highlighted that government reliance on enforcement measures without deterrent effects has failed to eliminate illegal activities at the source.

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To prevent future incidents, the EPD has recommended the removal of potential pollution sources from upstream premises and construction sites, as well as the installation of closed-circuit television systems for regular monitoring. The ongoing discourse surrounding the oil spill underscores the need for effective environmental policies and proactive measures to safeguard Hong Kong's ecological heritage.

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• “This ultimately allowed the matter to be swept under the carpet, amounting to condoning ecological destruction,” — Andy Chu Kong, Greenpeace Campaigner

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• “currently in good condition, with its ecological environment undergoing comprehensive restoration” — EPD Spokesperson

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• “Pui O is the largest freshwater wetland on Lantau Island, which nurtures the largest water buffalo herd in Hong Kong and numerous endangered or near-threatened species, including the Romer’s tree frog,” — Greenpeace Statement

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