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THE ENVIRONMENT
HONG KONG, like most modern metropolitan cities, is confronted with various types of pollution problem arising from commercial, industrial and domestic activities. The scarcity of land, together with the hilly terrain, dense population and rapid infrastructural developments, have made such pollution problems difficult to tackle.
With increasing public concern over the effects of pollution, the government seeks to bring about gradual and lasting environmental improvements through targeting its resources towards environmental monitoring, improved legislation and control, provision of waste treatment and disposal facilities, and strengthening the environmental planning.
Throughout the year, there have been significant developments in several environmental programmes. The implementation of controls under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) was strengthened by the introduction of a Technical Memorandum which sets out the minimum requirements for effluent discharges.
The Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulations and the Waste Disposal (Appeal Board) Regulations are expected to be enacted early in 1992 to empower the government to exercise 'cradle-to-grave' control on chemical wastes from their point of production to final disposal.
As part of the overall strategy for controlling emissions from vehicles, unleaded petrol (ULP) was introduced in April 1991 at all filling stations. By the end of the year, about 56 per cent of petrol driven cars have switched to ULP, the highest initial penetration achieved in any country where it has been introduced. Stringent emission control standards for new cars were set and will become effective as from January 1, 1992. In addition to the government's Vehicle Emission Testing Centre, 18 designated private car testing centres were authorised to conduct tests on vehicles identified as being smoky, and requiring examination.
Two Local Control Offices have been set up on a trial basis in order to improve response to local communities on environmental matters and tackle the local environmental problems more effectively. The operational experience obtained so far has provided a basis for further regionalisation of pollution control activities.
Increasing emphasis is placed on the use of environmental planning for preventing future pollution problems. The findings of all environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies are now made available to the public. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has gained greater involvement in the planning process, particularly through representation on the Town Planning Board.
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