Proposals for new contaminated-mud pits have come under fire from environmentalists, who warn that they threaten the endangered Chinese white dolphin.
Analysis by dolphin researchers last year revealed the dolphins were highly contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides.
But consultants commissioned by the Government concluded the mud pits at east Sha Chau were not to blame.
The report by EVS Environment Consultants concluded: 'There is no evidence of direct or indirect links between contaminated-mud disposal at east Sha Chau and contaminants found in Chinese white dolphin tissues.' EVS admitted that concentrations of organic contaminants such as the pesticide DDT 'may pose some risk' to the dolphins, but pointed to long-term problems not connected to the mud pits.
They concluded that contaminated-mud disposal at east Sha Chau would have no measurable impact on the marine environment or pose any risk to public health or the ecology.
However Friends of the Earth branded the consultants' conclusion a whitewash.