ENG-1990 — Page 423

THE ENVIRONMENT

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The EPD accordingly engaged a consultant to investigate the feasibility of tightening up the control on these premises. The consultant's report indicated that most of them would be capable of upgrading their emission control at an affordable cost. Proposals for suitably amended legislation are now under consideration.

Other regulations for stationary emission sources include the Air Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations which restrict dark smoke emission from stationary combustion sources, and the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimneys) (Installation and Alteration) Regulations which require the submission of plans and specifications to the EPD for approval before the installation or alteration of fuel-using equipment is carried out. During the year, some 367 such applications were received and processed. Amend- ments to the Air Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations were made during 1990 to tighten up control of dark smoke emissions from chimneys.

In 1985, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was concluded. This provided a framework for global multilateral undertakings to counter depletion of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, was finalised in September 1987 and seeks to control the production and supply of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and bromofluorocarbons (halons) in order to restrict their use and ultimate release into the environment.

In Hong Kong, the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance was enacted in June 1989. This ordinance prohibits local manufacture of CFCs and halons, and imposes controls on the import and export of these substances through registration and licensing provisions. The ordinance provides for the introduction in Hong Kong of further measures which may be adopted by the international community. In 1990, altogether four prosecutions under this ordinance were made with fines ranging from $3,000 to $50,000.

To institute control over the release of asbestos fibres into the environment, the EPD commissioned a specialist consultancy study to develop proposals for a legislative and administrative framework to meet the objective. The consultancy study was completed during the year. Following up the study's recommendations, amendments to the APCO are being prepared and new regulations drafted to provide for control of asbestos in the environment. It is envisaged that the new statutory controls will be introduced by mid-1991.

Motor vehicle emissions problems are now being aggressively tackled through a comprehensive control strategy. The first phase of the control strategy for new vehicle emissions will be launched on April 1, 1991, when unleaded petrol (ULP) will be available at all filling stations. The supply of ULP will enable the use of catalytic converter technology for new vehicles which is recognised as the best means of controlling emissions from petrol engines. It is also estimated that about 80 per cent of the existing vehicles in Hong Kong could be switched to using ULP. Another major element of the control strategy is the proposed requirement for light duty vehicles and passenger cars registered after January 1, 1992, to comply with new stringent emission standards.

Through the in-service vehicle smoke control programme 17 600 smoky vehicles were examined in 1990 and 12 500 were found to have been fixed while 5 100 were still required to undergo further repair work. Since the government's Vehicle Emission Testing Centre has reached maximum capacity, it is now proposed to involve designated private car testing

centres.

The Air Control Group of the EPD also regularly inspects potentially air-polluting plants, investigates air pollution complaints and provides technical advice to industries