THE ENVIRONMENT
unfavourable topography of the Sha Tin area, which restricts atmospheric dispersion, only gaseous fuels may be used there.
The enforcement of the fuel restriction regulations has successfully reduced emissions of sulphur dioxide by 80 per cent. These regulations have also reduced nitrogen oxides and particulates.
Certain industrial facilities and processes, including power utilities, incinerators, gas production plants, metallurgical factories and cement plants, which are liable to cause significant air pollution, are targeted for control under the licensing system provided by the Air Pollution Control Ordinance and the specified processes regulations.
However, most of these facilities are presently exempted from licensing control. At the end of 1993, there were 83 exempted premises while only 60 licences were in force. As the exempted premises are not obliged to adopt the best practicable means to control air pollution, they continue to cause problems.
To tackle this situation, the Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Ordinance enacted in February 1993, will allow the phased removal of these exemptions by 1997. In addition, the number of specified processes covered by the amended ordinance increased from 23 to 31. The eight new processes are pathological waste incinerators, organic chemical works, petroleum works, zinc galvanising works, rendering works, non-ferrous metallurgical works, glass works and paint works. Together with the proposal to adopt a technical memorandum approach in issuing air pollution abatement notices, these new measures will further reduce air pollution in Hong Kong.
Enforcement of the air pollution law involves complaint investigations, providing technical advice, issuing warning notices to require polluters to abate their emissions, and prosecution. During 1993, 1939 complaint cases were investigated; there were 7919 inspections of plant; 1813 cases were given technical advice; 60 warning notices were issued; and there were 227 successful prosecutions. Fines on offenders ranged from $300 to $30,000.
Noise from industrial or commercial premises is controlled under the Noise Control Ordinance. The department responds to complaints and may serve noise abatement notices that require a reduction of excessive noise by a given date. Failure to comply with the notices is an offence, liable to prosecution. During 1993, 2 300 complaints were investigated; 250 noise abatement notices were served; and 150 offenders were prosecuted. Fines on noise offenders ranged from $1,000 to $80,000.
Transport
Transport by road and rail can cause air pollution and noise nuisance, while shipping is more likely to cause water pollution through inappropriate waste disposal.
Large diesel vehicles are major contributors to vehicle emissions. The government is developing control strategies that include up-to-date emission standards for large vehicles and tightened inspection and maintenance requirements for certain classes of vehicles to reduce emissions.
Since April 1991, all petrol stations must sell unleaded petrol, to ensure its availability for cars with catalytic converters. The market share of unleaded petrol, which is cheaper, averaged about 64 per cent in 1993.
The Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) Regulations became effective in January 1992. These regulations require that all new vehicles of 2.5 tonnes or
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