ENG-1984 — Page 353

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The Environment

訂

THE environmental pollution control programme has been developed progressively since mid-1977 when consultants commissioned by the government reported on what should be done to protect the environment in Hong Kong. Achievements in the seven years since then include: the enactment of three major ordinances and other subsidiary legislation; the establishment, staffing and equipping of the Environmental Protection Agency; establish- ment of new control units within various government departments and strengthening of existing ones; and the introduction of comprehensive environmental pollution monitoring programmes and enhancement of existing ones. In addition, there has been the continued implementation of a multi-billion dollar programme of public works to provide for treatment of sewage and other wastes and for improved emission control of municipal incinerators, the incorporation of environmental considerations into the planning process, and the use of environmental impact assessment for major development projects.

Framework for Pollution Control

The task of formulating policy for the control of pollution is the responsibility of the Secretary for Health and Welfare. The secretary is supported in this task by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which was set up in early 1981 to assume a central co-ordinating role in formulating and carrying out the government's policies in this field, and to provide a source of expertise and scientific data on all aspects of pollution control and environmental planning. The work of the EPA involves developing pollution control programmes, establishing quality objectives, monitoring long-term pollution trends, asses- sing and advising on the impact of major new developments and providing assistance with environmental planning aspects of government projects.

The enforcement of legislation, issuing of licences and the surveillance and control of individual discharges and emissions is carried out by the Air Pollution Control Division in the Labour Department, the Pollution Control (Liquid and Solid Wastes) Division in the Engineering Development Department, the Noise and Vibration Control Unit in the Urban Services Department, the Agricultural Waste Control Division in the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, and the Pollution Control Unit in the Marine Department. Certain other control activities are undertaken as part of various government programmes such as the granting of construction noise permits by the Engineering Development Department or the control of vehicle emissions carried out by the Royal Hong Kong Police Force.

Environmental Pollution Control Programme

The environmental pollution control programme that has developed progressively over the past decade covers air and water pollution, noise control and waste management.