Repairs being done on damaged pipe
Reply to the Sunday Times 14 Dec 08;
We refer to the letter 'Sewage flow too close to fish farm' by Mr Freddie Choo (Nov 30), in which he raised concerns about the water quality near the pier at St John's Island.
A joint on-site inspection by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and PUB was carried out on Nov 30 and a defective discharge pipe from a sewage treatment plant was found to be the cause of the discharge.
Measures were taken immediately by SDC, which operates and maintains the sewerage facilities on the island, to rectify the problem.
The pump that discharges the water into the sea will be shut until the damaged pipe is repaired. SDC is also taking measures to enhance the maintenance of the plant to improve its treatment efficiency.
We would like to assure MrChoo that all water discharged into the sea is treated at a treatment plant first to remove contaminants, as required by the authorities.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) regularly monitors the water quality at fish-farming areas.
Tests conducted last week have shown that water quality at AVA's experimental fish farm on St John's Island is within the guidelines set for fish culture, and that the fish from the farm are safe for consumption.
We would like to thank MrChoo for his feedback.
Suzanne Ho (Ms)
Deputy director, Communications
Sentosa Development Corporation
Goh Shih Yong
Assistant director, Corporate Communications
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
Tan Thai Pin
Director, Water Reclamation (Network)
PUB
