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THE ENVIRONMENT
This monitoring goes back to 1972 and provides a comprehensive record of the chemical, physical and microbiological quality of Hong Kong's waters. All the data are published regularly and can be made available to scientists and engineers on computer disks or printed copies. Members of the public are usually more interested in the summary reports of bathing water quality, which are issued to the media and published in newspapers every two weeks during the summer.
Mathematical models are frequently used to assess the water quality impact of major development activities in Hong Kong. With increasing collaboration between Hong Kong and local authorities in mainland China, mathematical modelling is also becoming a useful tool for evaluation of cross-border development projects. During 1996 good progress was made in developing a water quality model for Deep Bay, a semi-enclosed embayment whose catchment lies partly in Hong Kong and partly in mainland China. The model will be used to determine how much pollution the bay can absorb. Once this is known the two sides will work together to develop a management plan to ensure this limit is not exceeded.
The EPD operates nine air quality monitoring stations. They are equipped with continuous ambient monitoring instruments for measuring sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, photochemical oxidants and carbon monoxide. Respirable and total suspended particulates (dust) and lead concentrations are also measured. There are plans to establish three more air quality monitoring stations including two at roadside. Toxic air pollutants will also be monitored at two locations.
Results of measurements are reported and published each month. These stations broadly represent air quality in industrial areas, in combined commercial-residential districts, and near road traffic in urban areas.
The Air Pollution Index and Forecast System provides daily air quality information to the public. An opinion poll conducted by the University of Hong Kong in 1996 showed that the majority of people consider the system is useful.
A survey on disposal of solid waste is conducted every year to collect up-to-date information for planning disposal facilities. About 16 100 tonnes of solid wastes were disposed of at landfills and incinerators each day in 1996. Of this, 6 400 tonnes were domestic waste, 1 800 tonnes were commercial and industrial waste and 7 500 tonnes come from construction activities.
Local waste-recovery activities continued to play an important role in waste. management, resulting in the export of substantial quantities of recovered waste materials for recycling overseas. In all, over 1.1 million tonnes of waste materials, including waste paper, metals and plastic were exported in 1996, and generated export earnings of over $2.4 billion. More than 500 000 tonnes of waste paper, metals, plastic scrap and glass were reprocessed locally.
The government encourages waste avoidance and minimisation. An integrated Waste Reduction Plan covering waste avoidance, waste minimisation, material recovery and development of bulk waste-reduction facilities is being formulated for public consultation in early 1997.
Government Laboratory
Fundamental to the mission of environmental protection, in 1996 the Government Laboratory conducted some 220 000 interdisciplinary analyses on samples of Hong Kong's atmosphere, water, wastes and aquatic species. The acquired data are