ENG-1985 — Page 331

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THE ENVIRONMENT

emission from furnaces, engines, ovens or industrial plant. During the year, the division inspected 8 355 premises and gave advice to industry on matters concerning statutory requirements, design and installation of air pollution control equipment and measures to prevent contravention of the ordinance. It compiled emission inventories of air pollutants in selected districts for use in planning air control zones, and processed 359 sets of plans and specifications for installation or alteration of chimneys and related combustion equipment. It also received and investigated 1 335 complaints about air pollution, the majority of which were satisfactorily resolved through advice to industry without the need to resort to enforcement action. Some 210 prosecutions were initiated under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance during the year: eight for failure to comply with notices to abate air pollutant nuisance, modify or repair plant and chimneys, furnish information, or stop using an unsuitable fuel; 140 for emitting excessive dark smoke; and 62 for unauthorised installation of furnaces, oven's or chimneys. These resulted in 207 convictions and fines ranging from $200 to $10,000.

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Emissions from mobile sources make a significant contribution to air pollution in Hong Kong, and new road vehicles imported into the territory must meet specified European or equivalent regulations on emission controls. Control of excessive smoke emissions from diesel engined vehicles is carried out by the police and the Transport Department under the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations. During the year, 107 summonses were taken out for the offence of excessive smoke emission, with an average fine of $219. Also, 1 306 fixed penalty tickets of $200 were issued.

Regulations to give effect to the Water Pollution Control Ordinance were to be put before the Governor in Council early in 1986, following extensive consultation with the public and those likely to be directly affected. The views of industry and conservationists on these regulations were sought in many meetings, discussions and visits. If approved, the regulations would come into force in the Tolo Harbour and Channel Water Control Zone, the first zone declared, on a 'first appointed day' set for mid-year. A mathematical model developed for the zone was in use to aid practical planning decisions, and investigations into two further likely control zones, Junk Bay and Port Shelter, continued.

Pending the introduction of the Noise Control Ordinance, construction noise is con- trolled under the Summary Offences Ordinance. The use of construction equipment on public holidays, and between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on other days, may be specifically permitted by the Director of Engineering Development. During the year, 2 260 such permits were issued, with appropriate conditions attached. Noise from ventilating and air-conditioning systems is controlled under the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance; the authorities are the Urban Council in the urban area and the Director of Regional Services in the New Territories. A total of 502 complaints were received and investigated during the year, leading to the issue of 158 abatement notices and six prosecutions.

Plans have advanced for bringing into operation the provisions of the Waste Disposal Ordinance concerning agricultural wastes as well as toxic, hazardous and difficult wastes. The implementation of agricultural waste control measures will be phased so that areas of highest priority will be brought under control first. In order to implement effectively the toxic, hazardous and difficult waste control measures, it will be necessary to provide specialised treatment facilities for these wastes. Expressions of interest have been sought from private specialist waste disposal firms for the design, construction and operation of such facilities on behalf of the government. The response has been en- couraging and detailed planning, for both the control measures and the facilities, is in progress.