THE ENVIRONMENT
277
EPCOM was restructured and retitled with effect from July 1, 1984, and the new body took over the responsibilities of the former Environmental Protection Advisory Committee and the Clean Hong Kong Steering Committee. The special committees which previously reported to EPCOM have been discontinued and will be replaced, when necessary, by ad hoc committees.
EPCOM is now composed entirely of unofficials to emphasise its independence. Officials attend the committee's meetings, at the chairman's request, to assist members although the Secretary for Health and Welfare and the Commissioner for Environmental Protection are in permanent attendance. The new membership of EPCOM includes three members of the Legislative Council (one a member of the Heung Yee Kuk), two district board members, one Urban Councillor, three academics, representatives of three major industrial/commercial organisations - the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association -- and a representative of the environmental group, the Conservancy Association. During the year, EPCOM considered a wide variety of subjects including overall policy on sewage treatment, environmental aspects of the disposal of pulverised fuel ash from the coal-fired power stations, methods to minimise the amount of waste generated in the territory, and the control of construction noise. It also examined the regulations under the ordinances on water pollution, waste disposal, and air pollution control. A statutory requirement incorporated in all the new ordinances is that EPCOM be consulted on any proposed regulations, environmental quality objectives and standards.
In addition to formal consultation with EPCOM, the government has discussions with organisations whose members through their work may be the cause of various types of pollution and therefore affected by any steps taken to achieve control. In some instances, industrial organisations have taken the initiative to introduce an element of self-regulation and this has been wholeheartedly encouraged by the government. For example, in 1983 the Building Contractors' Association (BCA) launched a self-regulating programme for control of construction noise. Discussions also continued during the year between the EPA and the BCA on developing a similar programme for controlling dust generated by construction activity.
Another important area of consultation and collaboration is the exchange of views on environmental matters with the Guangdong Environmental Protection Bureau and the Shenzhen authorities. Delegations from the EPA, Labour Department, Royal Observatory, New Territories Development Department and Engineering Development Department visited Shenzhen and Guangdong in February and July and officials of the Guangdong Environmental Protection Bureau visited Hong Kong in May. One outcome of this link has been agreement on a collaborative study for monitoring the environment in Deep Bay.
Conservation and Countryside Management
Hong Kong's hilly topography has ensured the survival of a relatively large expanse of countryside, much of which is scenically very attractive. Steep and rugged slopes rise from sea-level to 600 and 900 metres and feature rocky crags, wooded ravines with rushing streams, and open hillsides. Some 20 freshwater reservoirs of various sizes nestle among the hills, giving additional charm to the scenery.
About 75 per cent of Hong Kong's land area consists of hills and the vegetation on them includes grass, scrub, and 125 square kilometres of woodland - much of it the result of afforestation programmes. The woodlands not only make the countryside more beautiful but also are important in the management of water catchments.