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All-clear for cyanide spill area

The site of Thursday's sodium cyanide spill is now considered safe and hikers will be allowed access to the area, officials say.

Results of soil tests received last night showed that the sodium cyanide level in the ground was well below safety limits, a Fire Services Department spokesman said.

'As a result, the cleanup operation has been suspended,' he said.

The Government was waiting on the results before clearing hikers to use the area.

The soil was taken from the junction of Golden Hill and Tai Po roads on Saturday and analysed by government laboratories.

Leftover sodium cyanide crystals would most likely be destroyed by microorganisms, an Environmental Protection Department spokesman said earlier.

'It is likely to form harmless by-products. It is not the sort of stuff that hangs around, so long-term effects are unlikely,' the spokesman said.

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