THE ENVIRONMENT
the disposal of wastes and wastewater. These wastes, deriving from household, industry, construction, reclamation, livestock farming, power generation, water and wastewater treatment operations, can give rise to pollution of air, water and land. The increasing quantity of most wastes and the associated disposal problems continue to cause concern. With the growing expectations of the community for a better environment, the need for implementing a cost-effective, secure and environmentally-acceptable waste management programme is apparent. Special categories of waste such as chemical and clinical wastes, decomposing carcasses and various types of sludges also require tighter control not only in respect of disposal but on storage, transportation and treatment as well.
Air
Air pollution continues to be a major problem in Hong Kong. About two million people are exposed to undesirable levels of nitrogen dioxide and about three million people are exposed to high particulate levels. Many people are exposed to undesirable levels of both pollutants. These pollutants, particularly when combined, can seriously affect health, especially the elderly, the very young and those already suffering from illness.
The most common adverse health effects of these pollutants take the form of increased incidence of respiratory illness, such as asthma and bronchitis. The high levels of air pollution in many parts of Hong Kong must seriously aggravate the condition of those already suffering from such illness and contribute to the onset of chronic conditions. Other health effects such as lung cancer can be caused by air pollution, as certain air pollutants, like those emitted from diesel vehicles, are known to be carcinogenic.
Hong Kong faces particular difficulties in tackling air pollution problems. The hilly terrain, with residential development often on high ground, limits the scope for dispersing air emissions by using tall chimneys. In addition, high-rise development leads to trapping of air pollutants in street canyons.
Noise
Excessive noise from construction, industrial, commercial or domestic activities is in- evitable in a major city like Hong Kong. The noise problems are further aggravated by the fact that Hong Kong has a very small area available for development and hence almost non-stop construction and industrial activities are in close proximity to high-density residential and commercial developments. Traffic noise is the most pervasive form of noise and can have a serious impact on schools and households within a short distance of major elevated roads. In addition, the proximity to Kai Tak Airport of large public and private housing estates is a major concern for residents there who are inevitably exposed to high levels of aircraft noise.
Protecting the Environment Administrative Framework
Since its establishment on April 1, 1986, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), has been the principal executive body on environmental matters. The EPD also provides input to the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch (PELB), established on September 1, 1989, on policy formulation. The PELB was created to permit better administration of government policy on environmental and planning issues. The Secretary for Planning,
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