ENG-1988 — Page 384

THE ENVIRONMENT

Background Radiation Monitoring

327

As part of an international network, the Royal Observatory has been monitoring atmospheric radioactivity since 1960 to determine the global air transport of radioactive dust and other contaminants. In response to the public's concern over the possible environmental effects of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station about 50 kilometres to the northeast of Hong Kong, the Royal Observatory's monitoring activity has been expanded into a Background Radiation Monitoring Programme. The programme aimed at establish- ing an accurate baseline of the background radiation levels in Hong Kong prior to the commissioning of the nuclear power plant.

In addition to the Central Radiation Laboratory at King's Park, three atmospheric sampling stations were set up at Yuen Ng Fan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Sha Tau Kok to sample atmospheric particulates and deposition as well as to monitor the direct gamma-radiation levels using high-pressure ionisation chambers. Extensive alpha, beta and gamma measure- ments of air, water, soil and foodstuffs were carried out routinely. With the completion of a survey van, a territory-wide radiological survey was conducted in 1988.

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