THE ENVIRONMENT
368
The State of the Environment
A 1989 White Paper entitled Pollution in Hong Kong A Time to Act acknowledged that the environment was in an unsatisfactory state largely because of the earlier a lack of emphasis placed on it by the government. Measures have been introduced over the years to ensure that greater emphasis is given to environmental matters in planning decisions. In December 1993, the government issued A Green Challenge for the Community, which was its second review of the 1989 White Paper.
Aside from stressing the need for public awareness and participation to improve the environment, the document examined the progress of the government's environ- mental protection programme, set down the basis for action and explained new initiatives for improving the performance of the government and the community. It emphasised the development of collective responsibility, including sustaining the environment, private sector participation and the adoption of the 'polluter pays' principle.
The third review will be published in early 1996, reporting on the progress of environmental programmes stipulated in the 1989 White Paper and setting the course for preventing environmental problems and promoting sustainable development.
Urban Environmental Quality
The government has put a lot of money and effort into meeting the challenges of -Hong Kong's older urban areas. These offer a dense mix of housing, community facilities, and commerce and industry with an infrastructure that falls short of modern standards. Poor urban landscaping, incompatible neighbouring uses, air and water pollution, noise, and waste disposal problems are common.
Hong Kong's objectives for air quality are comparable with internationally recognised air quality standards for the protection of public health. The actual air quality does not always meet the objectives. Total suspended particulates, respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide levels are often high. In 1995, the highest annual averages recorded were 136 micrograms per cubic metre of total suspended particulates and 73 micrograms per cubic metre of respirable suspended partic- ulates, both at levels above the objectives. Nitrogen dioxide levels were a significant proportion of the objective value of 80 micrograms per cubic metre. Emissions from motor vehicles are the main source of these pollutants. On April 1, 1995, cleaner automotive diesel fuel and tighter standards for heavy duty diesel vehicles were introduced. A basic inspection and higher penalty programme is being devised to ensure that vehicles stay clean.
Indoor air pollution is an important source of such exposure as most people spend over 70 per cent of their time indoors. To obtain information for developing the control framework, a consultancy study was commissioned in late 1995. It will be completed in 18 months and will recommend ways to ensure acceptable indoor air quality in offices and public places.
Noise from road, rail and aircraft operations continued to be a major problem despite the adoption of mitigation measures. Regulations and controls were proposed to further restrict construction activities at night and during holidays; to phase out noisy and air-polluting diesel hammer pile-drivers from construction works; and to impose stringent noise emission limits on newly-registered vehicles and motor cycles.