ENG-1986 — Page 334

THE ENVIRONMENT

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drainage or industrial effluents have, since April 1, been referred to the EPD for advice, and checks are made to ensure that industrial, commercial and residential buildings incorporate facilities to drain polluted effluents to foul sewers or to internal sewage treatment facilities. Many buildings have been constructed without appropriate drainage which has resulted in the widespread practice of discharging industrial and commercial wastes directly to surface water drains, not only causing extensive pollution but also under-utilising costly sewage treatment facilities.

Legislation and Pollution Control

The Environmental Protection Department is responsible for the implementation of most of the measures contained in the principal environmental protection ordinances.

In June, regulations were made, after extensive consultation, to give effect to the Water Pollution Control Ordinance, enacted in 1980. Under this ordinance, anyone wishing to discharge a polluting effluent into a water control zone (WCZ) will require a licence from the EPD. This licence will specify the amount of pollutant that can be discharged, and may require treatment of the effluent before discharge or impose other conditions, to ensure that published water quality objectives are achieved or maintained. Subject to certain con- ditions, discharges made before the controls are brought into effect in a particular water control zone may continue without a licence.

One water control zone, covering Tolo Harbour and Channel, is already in existence. The controls will be implemented there early in 1987, and following this experience will be extended to the territory's remaining waters.

Water quality is further safeguarded by implementation of the Dumping at Sea Act (Overseas Territories Order), which continues in force in Hong Kong for the time being. Anyone wishing to dump waste at sea must first obtain a licence from the Director of Environmental Protection. Careful control is exercised over the nature of material that may be dumped, the locations where dumping may take place, and the dumping operations.

Also relevant to the protection of water quality, the Waste Disposal Ordinance, enacted in 1980, provides for the licensing of waste collection contractors and of waste disposal facilities. Regulations under this ordinance are being formulated by the EPD for the control of chemical and other toxic, hazardous and difficult wastes, and for the control of agricultural wastes. Indiscriminate disposal of these categories of waste at present forms a major part of the pollution of Hong Kong's waters.

Regulations in force under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (1983) require industry to abate the emissions of all forms of air pollutants that may give rise to nuisance, and to seek prior approval from the EPD when fuel burning equipment is being installed or altered.

During 1986, public consultation took place on draft regulations for the licensing of 23 classes of industry (known as 'specified processes') which have the potential to cause major pollution problems, and on proposals to declare air quality objectives and air control zones throughout Hong Kong, starting with the Harbour and Tsuen Wan/Kwai Chung zones. These measures are expected to be implemented in early 1987.

The Air Pollution Control Ordinance and subsidiary regulations provide for the control of air pollutant emissions from stationary sources. The ordinance empowers the Director of Environmental Protection and authorised officers in the Air Control Group to issue notices to require the abatement of air pollutant nuisances, modification or repair of chimneys or plants, or prohibition of use of unsuitable fuels, or furnishing of information. In 1986, 61 such notices were served and six prosecutions were initiated for non-compliance.