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in 1973 to study all practical methods of refuse treatment, and to prepare a 10-year programme for the provision of solid waste disposal facilities. The consultants' recommendations were subsequently considered and endorsed by EPCOM, and by the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee of this Council. Implementation of their report is progressing, with the design of a new composting plant, and a pilot plant for the high density baling of refuse, which can then be used for landfill purposes.
Consideration of water quality of streams, nullahs, water courses and the sea, has taken up a great deal of the EPCOM Water and Land Sub-Committee's time during the past year. On the advice of the Director of Public Works, EPCOM recommended standards for sewage treatment and disposal in Hong Kong. These standards have been accepted by the Secretary for the Environment, and they are being used as the basis for a 10-year programme plan aimed at improving the treatment and disposal of human sewage. The problem of maintaining water quality standards in Tolo Harbour following development of Sha Tin New Town, is a matter which has aroused some public interest in recent months. Despite an enormous investment in sewage treatment plant for the New Town, there is still a possibility of some risk to the marine environment in Tolo Harbour because of the increased input of nutrients, and the enclosed nature of the harbour, which does not help water circulation. Discussion of this matter by EPCOM, in the context of a report produced by Dr. WEAR of the Chinese University, led to an agreement that a Research Officer from Agriculture and Fisheries Department should be engaged in a continuous monitoring exercise at Tolo Harbour, so that early warning could be given of any marked deterioration in water quality, and remedial measures could then be considered. The Chinese University has kindly offered to allow the Research Officer to use research facilities at the University for this important environmental project.
One environmental issue which aroused some controversy when first mentioned in the local press, was the P.W.D. proposal to install air diffusers in Kowloon Bay typhoon shelter to improve water quality by bubbling air through the heavily polluted waters, thus increasing oxygen content. EPCOM considered a P.W.D. technical report on this subject and endorsed the proposal that a pilot study costing $300,000 should be carried out in Kowloon Bay to test the performance of air diffusers. It was felt that the expenditure involved would be worthwhile if it led to some practical means of reducing pollution in Kowloon Bay. If the method proved successful, then it could be applied in other polluted typhoon shelters.
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A series of 3 publicity campaigns have been organized by Governmental and EPCOM with the object of bringing home to the public the message that they can make a significant contribution towards reducing environmental pollution in Hong Kong, and that in doing so they will be making Hong Kong a better place to live. The first campaign was aimed at urging motorists to reduce smoke emissions from their vehicles by fixing defective exhaust systems. The second campaign, which is currently underway, seeks the co-operation of the public in reducing "avoidable noise"; for example from radios, television and other household sources. A third campaign will be launched in March this year concentrating on the theme that the sea is not a rubbish tip, and it is wrong to deposit refuse in streams, nullahs or water courses which will ultimately be discharged into the sea, resulting in marine pollution.
The past year has been a most important one for EPCOM, and I am pleased to report that significant progress is being made, not only in regard to existing environmental pollution, but also in planning for the future and anticipating the environmental problems which might be expected in the years ahead.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, although in my enthusiasm to put to the Council the environmental pollution picture I have almost over-run my allotted time, at the risk of incurring your guillotine, I would like to make some general remarks on "Finance". As Vice-Chairman of the Finance Select Committee, I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. BERNACCHI'S, and your own, previous warnings about the danger of complacency regarding our present surplus money situation. By careful and, I say, shrewd financial management, we should build up a substantial reserve. But if we spend all we should in 1976-77 and the three years after that, it will be a different story. It will require a clear mind to estimate staff costs in two to three years' time and I personally consider these are under estimated and our longer term estimates for revenue projection may be too optimistic. We will hear from Mr. LOBO on Thursday about our projects and the excellent progress being made in turning paper schemes into reality. I am all for that, but let us and our Select Committees be aware of the implications of the completion of each project on our staff and other costs. I have much pleasure in supporting the motion before the Council.
MR. KENNETH T. C. Lo (in English):-Mr. Chairman, it has become customary in our Annual Conventional Debate for the Chairman of the various Select Committees to report on the activities of their Select Committees and so I will start my speech by saying something about Recreation and Amenities.
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