TNAG-1980-FCO40-2813-Pollution-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 99

CONFIDENTIAL

Speaking Note

LMKD 262%,

ко

27 JAN 1989

OFFICER

ND

The Hong Kong Government is greatly concerned about water pollution in Hong Kong. With the objective of protecting

the marine environment the Water Pollution Control (Ordinance)

Cap 358 was passed in 1980 and the Water Pollution Control

(Tolo Harbour and Channel Water Control Zone) Order was made in

1986. Other legislation to control the disposal of waste and

toxic materials is also well advanced.

2.

Under the above Order, the Tolo Harbour and channel

were declared as Hong Kong's first water quality control zone.

The water in the harbour and the channel is already highly

polluted. Unless urgent steps are taken, the water quality in

Tolo Harbour will become irretrievably damaged.

3.

The Environmental Protection Department have therefore drawn up a package of proposals to protect the harbour and

channel. The package includes controlling the disposal of livestock waste, introducing standards for industrial effluent

and the disposal of sludge at sea.

4.

Hong Kong Government would like to inform the Chinese authorities of the last of these proposals. We intend to dump sludge South East of Hong Kong at a point some 15 km east of Waglan Island. The dumping will commence in late 1989 or early 1990 and continue for an initial period of 5 years. The sludge

will come from the Shatin sewage treatment works and the Shatin

water treatment works. Previously the sludge has been disposed

of at landfill sites and into the sewers.

CONFIDENTIAL