THE ENVIRONMENT
273
with a notice to abate air pollutant nuisance, to modify or repair plant or chimneys and to stop using an unsuitable fuel; 117 for emitting excessive dark smoke; and 48 for unauthorised installation of furnaces, ovens or chimneys. These resulted in 166 convictions and fines ranging from $250 to $10,000.
Emissions from mobile sources make a significant contribution to air pollution in Hong Kong and new road vehicles imported into the territory must meet specified European or equivalent regulations on emissions controls. Control of excessive smoke emissions from diesel engined vehicles is carried out by the police and the Transport Department under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use) Regulations. In 1984, the fixed penalty for excessive smoke emission was increased from $100 to $200. During the year, 163 summons were taken out for this offence with an average fine of $227. Also, 10 475 fixed penalty tickets were issued, about 1 200 of these being given during a two-week enforcement exercise which followed a two-week publicity period in May.
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The introduction of detailed control measures under the Water Pollution Control Ordin- ance was planned for the end of the year when regulations for this purpose were expected to be submitted to the Executive Council. A ‘first appointed day' for the Tolo Harbour and Channel water control zone - the first zone declared - was due to be gazetted in early 1985, from which day controls over various declared categories of discharges would take effect. Planning is well advanced for two further zones - Port Shelter and Junk Bay. A predictive mathematical model for water quality in Tolo Harbour is now available to aid decision- making in the first water control zone; other models are to be produced for later zones. In areas which are not at present subject to control under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance, discharge quality is regulated under lease conditions and through the Buildings Ordinance. These controls were revised and strengthened in 1984.
Pending the introduction of the Noise Control Ordinance, construction noise is con- trolled under the Summary Offences Ordinance. Construction equipment to be used on public holidays, and between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on other days, must be specifically permitted by the Engineering Development Department. During the year, 2 250 such permits with appropriate conditions attached were issued. Noise from ventilating and air-conditioning systems is controlled under the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance with the authority being the Urban Council in the urban area and the Director of Urban Services in the New Territories. A total of 397 complaints were received and investigated, leading to the issue of 133 abatement notices and six prosecutions.
Plans to bring into operation the provisions of the Waste Disposal Ordinance concerning agricultural wastes and toxic, hazardous and difficult wastes have advanced and the subsidiary legislation was almost complete by the end of the year. The implementation of agricultural waste control measures will be phased so that the areas with higher priority will be affected first. In order to implement effectively the toxic, hazardous and difficult waste control measures it will be necessary to provide specialised treatment facilities. Proposals have been prepared on the type and extent of these facilities and discussions have been held with private sector firms concerning their ability to provide any or all of the facilities.
Construction and Operation of Facilities
Over the years, the government has made major investments in facilities for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastes and this programme continued during 1984. A major feature is the provision and operation of sewage treatment works, throughout the territory, by the Engineering Development and Electrical and Mechanical Services Departments