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THE ENVIRONMENT
but proposes an extension in scope to cover toxic emissions and pollutants from the wide range of industries which have emerged and developed in the past decade, or which can be expected in the future.
The bill makes provision for air quality objectives to be defined in which maximum desirable concentrations of air pollutants, such as sulphur oxides and particulate matter, may be identified; it further proposes that major new developments which fall into a special category, termed 'specified processes', should be licensed. The bill is also intended to enable subsequent regulations to be introduced specifying maximum emission limits, fuel composition and other standards or codes of practice.
Progress has been made in the preparation of a comprehensive Noise Control Bill. This will consolidate existing controls on noise, as well as introducing new provisions, and will cover such areas as construction, industrial and neighbourhood noise. It is anticipated that the bill will be ready for presentation to the Legislative Council by late 1983 or early 1984. Drafting of the Environmental Impact Assessment Bill is progressing at a slower pace since valuable experience is being accumulated from the present non-statutory arrangements in which the developers of major industrial projects such as the new power stations and cement plants - have been asked to provide an impact assessment in a form, and to a timetable, laid down by the government.
Consultation
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The principal consultative forum on environmental matters is the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (EPCOM) which advises the government on all aspects of environmental protection, and in particular ensures that new environmental legislation is appropriate in balancing the need for environmental improvement against the requirement that industry remains viable and competitive.
EPCOM, with an unofficial member as chairman, comprises 17 members, including prominent citizens, representatives of three major industrial organisations, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, and a representative of the environmental group, the Conservancy Association.
There are also four special committees under EPCOM concerned with air pollution, noise, land and water pollution, and legislation. Each committee examines specific areas of pollution control in detail by seeking views from experts and academics, members of the public, industrial organisations and government departments. These committees discussed a variety of subjects during the year, including the Air Pollution Control Bill, water pollution in Tolo Harbour and at Kai Tak Nullah, compressor noise, smoke from motor vehicles, water quality objectives and water control zones, waste management, lead in the environment and the noise implications of the Mass Transit Railway Island Line.
A provision for consultation on environmental protection regulations and related matters is incorporated in the new ordinances and requires the government to consult EPCOM on all proposed regulations, environmental quality objectives and standards. Draft legislation is discussed with organisations whose members may be affected by its enactment; for example consultations took place with the construction industry regarding controls over the use of powered mechanical equipment by night and on public holidays. Protecting the Environment
The task of formulating environmental protection policy is the responsibility of the Home Affairs Branch of the Government Secretariat. However, because of its bearing on the health of the community, it was decided at the end of the year that this responsibility