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THE ENVIRONMENT
During the year, work continued on the preparation of the Jordan Valley controlled tip, which will replace the Ma Yau Tong controlled tip. Detailed design work was completed and preparatory work is programmed to begin in April 1986 for the Junk Bay Stage II controlled tip. The restored land which becomes available following the completion of a controlled tip is assigned for recreational purposes or some other acceptable uses.
In outlying areas, waste collection and disposal arrangements are being upgraded. All refuse collected on Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Lamma Island and from Mui Wo on Lantau Island is carried by barge to the mainland for disposal; this extended scheme has been implemented by the Regional Services Department, since April. Further progress has been made with the programme to replace small village refuse incinerators – which are a source of environmental nuisance - with centralised purpose-designed modular incinera- tors. Where vehicle collection services are impracticable, existing small village incinerators are being replaced by properly designed units. The modular incinerators and new village incinerators are designed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
In 1985, following a number of enquiries about privately operated waste disposal facilities, an open invitation was issued so that firms could register their interest in pro- viding and operating new waste transportation and disposal schemes on behalf of the government. An encouraging response resulted from this exercise, and the concept of increased private sector involvement in waste disposal is being actively pursued.
Hong Kong is a party to a number of international maritime conventions concerned with oil and other forms of pollution. The Pollution Control Unit of the Marine Department is responsible for dealing with offshore oil pollution, control of marine dumping activities and surveillance of oil transfer to and from ships. It is also responsible for the collection of floating refuse. Since the unit was set up, many polluters have been successfully prosecuted. The maximum penalty on conviction is a fine of $200,000. Costs incurred in clearing or dispersing oil pollution are recoverable from offenders.
To combat oil pollution, the unit has a purpose-built pollution control vessel, stocks of low toxicity chemical dispersants, and more than 2 400 metres of large and medium-size oil containment booms. In an emergency, a substantial inventory of oil pollution equipment held by the government and oil companies can be deployed at short notice. The facilities and equipment proved effective in dealing with the worst marine oil spillage in Hong Kong waters since 1977. On July 20, the Brazilian cargo vessel Frota Durban ran aground near the southern entrance to East Lamma Channel and caused extensive oil pollution to the 11 beaches on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. In this emergency situation, the Marine Department, with the support of the other departments concerned, was able to have the pollution substantially cleaned up within three days.
Remedial works have been carried out during the year to remove or divert pollution outfalls from some of Hong Kong's most popular beaches. These include Repulse Bay, Shek O, Stanley Main Beach and Tung Wan on Cheung Chau. A complementary programme, mainly concerned with the interception of domestic waste, is being planned. Further works have also been planned or implemented at other beaches, including Castle Peak Beach, which is at present regarded as unsuitable for swimming because of the poor quality of the water. This area is to be developed into a residential, commercial and recrea- tional complex. All existing stormwater drains which now carry faecal pollution to the beach will be removed, and disinfection of the seawater in the area is to be provided.
Booms to prevent marine refuse floating into bathing areas were installed at Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay, Stanley Main Beach and Silverstrand Beach during the year, following a successful trial at Repulse Bay in 1984.