ENG-1988 — Page 373

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THE ENVIRONMENT

which commenced operation on October 2, 1987 continued. These regulations, in conjunc- tion with the relevant provisions in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, provide for the control of certain industrial processes, called 'specified processes', which may cause serious air pollution. Anyone wishing to start operating a new specified process requires a licence from the EPD. The licence will specify how noxious or offensive emissions must be controlled and made harmless before their discharge into the atmosphere. Specified processes which existed before October 2, 1987 were exempted from this licensing re- quirement provided that EPD was notified of their existence by April 1, 1988.

During the year 13 applications for new specified processes were dealt with, together with 171 notifications of existing specified processes.

The Air Pollution Control Ordinance also empowers the Director of Environmental Protection to issue notices to require the abatement of air pollutant nuisances, modification or repair of chimneys or plant, prohibition of the use of unsuitable fuels, or provision of information. Work is in hand for the making of the proposed Air Pollution Control (Fuel Restriction) Regulations under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. When enacted, the regulations will give legal effect to the existing government policy on the use of clean fuels in topographically restrictive areas in Hong Kong. During this year, 215 notices were served and 25 prosecutions for non-compliance initiated.

The Air Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations provide for the restriction of dark smoke emission from stationary combustion sources. Some 145 prosecutions were lodged against recalcitrant offenders. Also, the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Installation and Alteration) Regulations provide for the submission of plans and specifications for the installation or alteration of fuel-using equipment to ensure appropriate design. EPD processed 389 sets of plans and specifications, and prosecuted 41 offenders in connection with unauthorised work.

In carrying out their enforcement duties, EPD staff visited industrial and commercial establishments and government plants to give advice on air pollution control matters. The department investigated 1 542 air pollution complaints, most of which were resolved through voluntary remedial measures on the advice of the control staff, without recourse to legal action.

A new Asbestos Control Section was set up to carry out ambient asbestos monitoring. The section also assisted the Architectural Services Department to control asbestos in school halls.

From January 1, 1988, a programme to tackle smoke emissions from motor vehicles was implemented by the Vehicle Emission Control Section of the EPD. Under this programme, any vehicle seen by an official spotter to be emitting excessive smoke is required to report to the Vehicle Emission Testing Centre at Sheung Lok Street, Kowloon for examination. During the year, 8 256 vehicles were tested of which 7 161 passed and 1095 failed the examinations. Vehicles which did not have a valid reason for not attending the examina- tions had their licences cancelled by the Transport Department.

Noise

The draft Noise Control Bill was gazetted on March 13, 1987 for public information and comment. Extensive consultation with organisations having an interest in the Bill was con- ducted and 69 written comments from individuals and organisations were received. As a result of these comments and discussions with an ad hoc group formed by the Legislative Council to study the Bill, the Bill was redrafted and gazetted as a formal Bill on June 3, 1988. It was introduced into the Legislative Council on June 8, and was passed into law on July 20.

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