THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental and Lands also seeks advice on major policy initiatives from the Environ- mental Pollution Advisory Committee (EPCOM), whose members are appointed by the Governor and are either experts in environmental affairs or prominent and informed members of the community.
In executing the government's wide-ranging and varied environmental policy initiatives, the EPD depends on multidisciplinary teams to tackle all kinds of pollution problems. The EPD recommends proposals for new or amended legislation to the secretary, under- takes environmental planning and the assessment of development plans, enforcement of pollution control legislation, planning and development of waste disposal facilities and monitoring of all aspects of the environment.
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Other departments also play a major role in protecting Hong Kong's environment. The Planning Department was established on January 1, 1990, to centralise government Urban and Rural Planning at both strategic and local levels. Environmental concerns are considered during the formulation of future government plans, through Planning Department Studies and Development Programmes. The Drainage Services Department centralises the design, construction, operation and maintenance of sewerage and sewage treatment and disposal facilities throughout the territory, thereby providing better services in support of the PELB's sewerage programme. The Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Department are responsible for providing refuse collection services and maintaining environmental hygiene. The Civil Engineering Services Department over- - sees the development and operation of landfills for the disposal of waste. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department operates refuse incinerators whilst the Marine Department clears floating refuse and enforces legislative control over oil spills and the Territory Development Department is involved in the construction of environmental protection facilities.
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Planning against Pollution
As well as eliminating or at least alleviating existing problems, it is equally important to avoid creating new environmental problems. The saying 'prevention is better than cure' accurately sums up the philosophy behind the application of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to the planning and assessment of major developments.
The application of the EIA process is carried out at various levels. At the broad strategic level, studies such as Metroplan (which was completed in 1990) examined, analysed and recommended improvements to the land-use and transport structure of the main urban areas. Implementation of the Metroplan proposals will transform Hong Kong into a more environmentally-acceptable urban locale and prepare the city for the 21st century. In carrying out this study, it was recognised at the outset that environmental factors and the involvement of the Environmental Protection Department were of fundamental im- portance and that the study should aim to improve not only the efficiency of the city, but equally, if not more importantly, the quality of life.
Metroplan will result in great improvements to the metropolitan environment through the relocation of Kai Tak Airport, the decentralisation of manufacturing industries to areas away from upwind eastern Kowloon, the maximum use of underground electric railways, the relocation or closure of potentially hazardous installations and major air pollution point sources, the reduction or buffering of industrial/residential interfaces, and