XN000022-1995-04-24 — Page 16

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"Under the monitoring programmes, information is collected each year from about 90 river, 100 marine and 115 beach sampling stations and a wide range of physico-chemical and biological parameters are measured at each location for detailed analyses."

He said: "The river report shows that the water quality of some rivers, where legislative controls have been successful, has improved, continuing an overall improving trend which has been apparent for some time.

"For the first time, two rivers showed full compliance with all the stipulated water quality objectives in 1993.

"However, for rivers which are still heavily polluted, particularly those in the north and northwest of the territory, there is unlikely to be much improvement until effective control over livestock waste disposal is fully implemented and planned new sewerage works are completed."

He said the marine report highlighted the continued and serious water pollution problems in Victoria Harbour and other areas which received significant inputs of liquid wastes from nearby population centres.

For the bathing beaches, Dr Broom said: "Compliance with the bacteriological water quality objective in 1994 was similar to that in 1993. However, the general momentum towards improvement, built up during the 1980s, has stalled.

"Real and long-lasting improvements in marine and river water quality will only come about with the full implementation of the Sewerage Master Plans and the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme, coupled with effective livestock waste control and comprehensive enforcement of the water pollution control legislation in all 10 water control zones in Hong Kong.

"Localised improvements affecting mainly the beaches may be seen as improvements to local sewerage networks are implemented, but in areas where beach water quality is poorest, this will take another four or five years."

The reports contain useful information for professionals such as scientists, engineers and town planners whose work relates to the water and beach environment.

They also serve as a useful reference for researchers, teachers and students as well as the public who are interested in water and beach pollution problems.