ENG-1978 — Page 286

THE ENVIRONMENT

Noise Pollution

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The Summary Offences Ordinance was amended in 1978 to improve control over construction noise. From July 1, 1979, piling and the use of mechanically-powered construction equipment above one horsepower will be prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am every day and all day on public holidays.

Consultations are proceeding with the construction industry over the new Noise Abatement Ordinance which seeks to consolidate the fragmented existing legislation on noise pollution control, and to provide more effective noise abatement procedures. A statutory code of practice to limit construction noise also will be drawn up to further improve control,

Controls on industrial noise and air-conditioning noise continued in 1978 under existing legislative provisions.

Waste Disposal

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The Kwai Chung incinerator was completed in 1978 and commissioning commenced in November. The incinerator is equipped with electrostatic precipitators and has a 150-metre stack to provide for the efficient dispersal of aerial emissions.

Work on a composting plant at Chai Wan and a high density rubbish baling plant at Sai Tso Wan continued in 1978. When completed they will offer alternative means of waste disposal.

In 1978, a total of 1,050,000 tonnes of solid waste was disposed of at controlled tips and a total of 554,700 tonnes was burnt in incinerators. The shortage of suitable space for controlled tipping and the undesirability of having more incinerators (owing to high costs and air pollution problems) make it necessary to look for more cost-effective and environmentally acceptable means of waste disposal.

A new Waste Disposal Ordinance will be drafted to give statutory powers to the Director of Public Works on waste disposal. Special provisions also will be included to control toxic and dangerous wastes.

Pollution by farmers of watercourses and streams in the New Territories continued unabated during the year and it was estimated that practically all pig wastes and approximately 50 per cent of all poultry wastes contributed to the pollution.

Investigation continued into possible means of disposal of these wastes after farmers have been persuaded, or compelled, to change their husbandry practices – mainly by separating at source, solids from liquids. Liquid waste treatment alternatives were under study at the Agriculture and Fisheries Department's Ta Kwu Ling Pig Breeding Centre where additional facilities are now available for oxygenating the wastes.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is investigating solid waste drying tech- niques at Pat Heung with a continuous process rotary drier, and at Sai Kung with a batch-type drier.

Air-drying tests to cheapen the costs of thermal drying are being carried out on a variety of farm solid wastes from a limited number of farms.

Conservation and Countryside Management

Hong Kong's hilly topography has ensured the survival of a relatively large expanse of countryside, much of which is scenically very attractive. Steep and rugged slopes rise from sea-level to 600 and 900 metres and feature rocky crags, wooded ravines