Programme HighlightsDrainage Services Department (DSD) commenced the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (HVUSSS) in 2012 to avoid recurrence of serious flooding incidents. The scheme, which included the construction of a 60 000 m
3 stormwater storage tank and box culvert under the Happy Valley racecourse, can temporarily attenuate part of the upstream peak flow through the downstream stormwater drainage systems after heavy rainstorms. The project had been put into operation in end 2017.
The HVUSSS is Hong Kong's first flood storage tank provided with a “Movable Crest Weir” that works in connection with a "Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition" (SCADA) system. This design effectively lowers construction cost and time, as well as operation power consumption, addressing flood prevention and environmental initiatives in tandem. The visit will include information of project background, construction and operations phase, which also aims to understand the sustainable design concept of the project.
Registration & EnquiriesThe number of participants is limited to 30 and prior registration is required. The visit is free of charge and application will be accepted on first-come-first-serve basis with priority given to Registered Young Members. For registration, please complete the online application form at
http://bit.ly/YMC-HVUSSS2019. Successful applicants will be notified by email. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Evelyn WAI via Email:
vg.hkieymc@gmail.com
Reportby Mr Vincent YIP
The HKIE-YMC conducted a technical visit to Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme(HVUSS) on 23rd March 2019. The HVUSS completed in October 2017. It is one of the three underground stormwater drainage storage tanks in Hong Kong. Designed for a 50-year return period, the project consists of a 60,000m3 stormwater storage tank, a 650m long box culvert and a stormwater pumphouse. The completion of HVUSS reduces the risk of flooding in Wan Chai and Happy Valley area.
The three approaches of flood prevention measures adopted by the Drainage Services Department (DSD) includes interception at upstream, storage in midstream and upgrading pipes at the downstream. HVUSS is at the midstream of the whole drainage plan. Located under the football pitches at the centre area of the racecourse, the stormwater storage makes the best use of underground spaces in the crowded area in Causeway Bay.
The introduction was followed by a tour for a closer view on the facilities. Innovative and intelligent technologies have been adopted in the operation of storm water drainage tank. Real time monitoring system, which receives the data of tidal level and water level inside the tank, is applied to control the level of movable weir. Rainwater overflow from the box culvert to the tank can be triggered at the best time and hence reduce the design capacity. It allows ground water and irrigation water at sports pitches, and rainwater to be collected from sub soil drainage to reduce the surface run-off. The water collected can also be used for irrigation, flushing and cleansing after treatment and disinfection. It can reduce the need of precious potable water resources. The participants had a better understanding on the new water harvesting system through the tour.
Under the circumstances of climate change, resilience has become the major concern of infrastructure development. All participants obtained valuable knowledge on the blue-green concept and sponge city concept advocated by DSD. On behalf of the HKIE-YMC, we would like to thank DSD for this fruitful visit.
Group photo with DSD representative