THE ENVIRONMENT
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Ozone - A Global Responsibility
To control ozone-depleting substances and fulfil Hong Kong's international obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance was enacted in 1989. This ordinance prohibits local manufacturing of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halogenated hydrocarbons (halons), and imposes restrictions on the import and export of these substances through licensing and quota controls.
The ordinance was amended in 1992 and the control of ozone-depleting substances extended to cover 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride and 10 other fully halogenated CFCs with effect from January 1, 1993.
In 1994, there were seven prosecutions under the ordinance, with fines totalling $143,000.
In a meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol in Copenhagen in November 1992, it was further agreed that the schedule to phase out ozone-depleting substances should be substantially accelerated. The import of halons was completely banned from January 1994 while CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane will be banned in 1996. In the interim, local consumption of CFCs and 1,1,1-trichloroethane had to be reduced to 25 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively, in 1994. These controls were being implemented through the existing quota systems. Furthermore, the Copenhagen meeting enlisted 34 hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), 34 hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs) and methyl - bromide as new ozone-depleting chemicals which will be subject to control. As from January 1995, the import and export of methyl bromide will be under the control of the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance.
The Montreal Protocol also requires all parties to prohibit the import of a list of products containing CFCs or halons from non-party countries, with effect from May 1993. The Ozone Layer Protection (Products Containing Scheduled Substances) (Import Banning) Regulation was enacted in 1993 to effect such control.
The Ozone Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants) Regulation was enacted and brought into force on January 1, 1994. The regulation prohibits the intentional venting of CFC-based refrigerants from large air-conditioning units and from motor vehicle air- conditioners. It also mandates to recover refrigerants with approved equipment and keep records of the quantity of virgin CFCs being added. While this regulation aims at minimising the emission of CFCs into the atmosphere and reducing the demand for virgin materials, it will also encourage the recovery and recycling of CFCs, which will help to meet the tight phasing-out schedule.
Neighbourhood Noise
Noise from domestic premises and public places is commonly known as neighbourhood noise, and complaints about it are handled by the police. During 1994, the police dealt with 2 425 complaints and prosecuted 47 offenders.
Provision of Facilities and Services
Every day, Hong Kong produces two million tonnes of sewage and 8 500 tonnes of municipal solid wastes. The government has adopted detailed strategies to deal with these challenges.