Yi. The CWTC, which is planned to be operational in 1990, will enable chemical waste producers to dispose of their waste in an environmentally acceptable manner.
12
At the same time, regulations are being drafted under the WDO to establish a scheme of control
control for the proper storage, collection, treatment and disposal of chemical wastes.
13
The Kwai Tsing District Board and local community organizations have been kept informed of the development of this facility, and the Industry Development Board, which has already been briefed on the scheme, will be asked to advise on the draft regulations.
Water Pollution
14
The Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) provides for the declaration of water control zones and the gazetting of water quality objectives to be achieved and maintained in order to promote the conservation and best use of those waters in the public interest. It should be noted that, upon establishment of a control zone, all existing emissions are exempt under present legislation, providing that the operation is not in breach of lease conditions and the emissions pose no threat to public health. This exemption has generated much adverse public comment.
15
Ten water control zones are proposed to cover the territory.
Two control zones have already been established in Tolo Harbour and Southern. The Southern zone, in accordance with an agreement reached with the OMELCO Ad Hoc Panel on Environmental Affairs, does not include industrial discharges. No new zones may be declared until the OMELCO Panel has considered the results of an economic impact study of the effects of the Tolo zone on industry. This report, undertaken by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, has just been completed.
16
It is our intention, subject to the provision of necessary resources, to declare the remaining eight water control zones over the next five years. In addition, the WPCO is now being critically
with a view to
amendment.
examined
CONFIDENTIAL
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