10 -
Airport Committee meets
The British and Chinese sides have agreed that a meeting of the Airport Committee will be held in Hong Kong on November 29 (Wednesday) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding to discuss the Airport Authority Ordinance, the membership of the Airport Authority and airport-related franchises.
End/Tuesday, November 28, 1995
More data on proposals to reduce diesel emissions
The Government today (Tuesday) released more information to answer points raised on the proposals to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles.
The data show that diesel automobiles constitute about one third of the vehicle fleet in Hong Kong and travel two-thirds of the total vehicle mileage that accounts for about 98% of the respiratory suspended particles (RSP) emissions from road traffic.
The high level of RSP, which causes respiratory illness, cancer risks, and deterioration of the urban fabric, has consistently exceeded the air quality objective (AQO) by two to 25 per cent at all the five monitoring stations located at Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan, Central and Western, Sham Shui Po and Kwun Tong.
Even with the proposed switch from diesel to petrol for light duty vehicles and stringent inspection and maintenance for large diesel vehicles, RSP can only be reduced to the AQO level by 2002.
Comparatively, unleaded petrol (ULP) vehicles emit virtually no RSP throughout their useful life.
On the concern that increased use of petrol may raise the concentrations of benzene, a carcinogen, Environmental Protection Department surveys show the roadside benzene level in Hong Kong is only about 45 per cent of the limit set by the UK expert panel.
J
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.