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THE ENVIRONMENT
grow worse. A long-term monitoring programme is being devised in collaboration with the Government Chemist and the Urban Services Department.
The Marine Department's pollution control unit took delivery in March of a new specially built launch equipped with modern pollution control facilities. As well as being able to deal with oil spills whenever they occur, the launch is used in day- to-day inspection of oil terminals and ships and for supervising the work of the harbour cleansing services.
To combat oil pollution, stocks of dispersants and oil booms are maintained and up to 20 government craft can be equipped with pumps and spraying equipment at short notice. All the equipment provided is operated by personnel who are trained to deal with oil spills and who are aware of the basic dangers of pollution. To protect recreational amenities and the marine environment generally from the damaging effects of floating oil, an oil pollution contingency plan has been prepared. It enables all government departments, commercial interests, auxiliary services, and defence forces to be aware of the procedures for dealing with a major oil spill and the equip- ment available. The oil pollution contingency plan was successfully put into operation on July 6, when an oil spill affected beaches on the south coast of Hong Kong Island. Through the efforts of various government departments, the pollution of coastal waters and beaches-although severe in some places-was dealt with swiftly.
Another aspect of marine pollution handled by the Marine Department's pollu- tion control unit is the removal of floating refuse. Harbour cleansing fleets have been operating scavenging services in the ports of Victoria and Aberdeen, and inside Yau Ma Tei and Causeway Bay typhoon shelters, for 13 years. In November these services were extended to Tsuen Wan and Chai Wan, and this is expected to lead to a definite improvement in the state of cleanliness of harbour waters. There is also a service to collect domestic refuse from ships in port. The harbour cleansing service is carried out by more than 30 motor cargo vessels and sampans owned and crewed by private contractors, with supervision by staff of the pollution control unit. Public tenders for this service are invited annually, ensuring that the cost to the government is both fair and reasonable. During the year, 3,400 tons of refuse-a daily average of 111⁄2 tons— was lifted from the harbour and collected from ocean-going ships.
In the six years since it was formed, the control unit has successfully prosecuted many who have caused pollution. Currently, the maximum penalty for polluting the waters of Hong Kong is a fine of $20,000 and six months' imprisonment, plus the costs incurred in clearing or dispersing the pollution. Penalties are to be substantially increased in the near future through legislative amendments.
During 1976 Hong Kong agreed to participate in three international conventions concerned with marine pollution. One effect of this has been to restrict the use of oil pollution dispersants to only those of approved types which have a low toxicity for marine life.
Conservation and Countryside Management
Hong Kong's hilly topography has ensured survival of a relatively large expanse of countryside, much of which is scenically very attractive. Steep and rugged slopes