ENG-1990 — Page 429

THE ENVIRONMENT

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In addition to undertaking the annual ranking of beaches, the EPD publishes fortnightly during the bathing season a 'snapshot' of beach water quality. This takes the form of grading the beaches as 1 (good), 2 (fair), 3 (acceptable) and 4 (poor). The snapshot is based on the most recent monitoring data and is intended to provide feedback to the public on the latest water quality at the bathing beaches.

Some very popular beaches on the south side of Hong Kong Island, such as Repulse Bay, Middle Bay and Stanley main beach were among the ones showing declining water quality in past years. They were polluted as a result of the leakage of sewage from defective sewerage, the lack of sewage treatment facilities and improper maintenance of some treatment facilities. In 1989, 'first aid' measures were implemented at several of the most affected beaches on Hong Kong Island, such as Repulse Bay and Middle Bay. As a result, the deterioration has been halted and water quality at these beaches during the 1990 bathing season was generally good to acceptable. The measures were, however, of a stop-gap nature involving the interception and diversion of sewage which flowed into the beaches, and repairs to existing sewerage. The success must therefore be considered temporary and lasting improvements will not be achieved until a comprehensive sewerage network is installed.

Following the implementation of the livestock waste control scheme a significant improvement of the beach water quality at Angler's Beach and Silvermine Bay was achieved. The two beaches which were graded 'unacceptable' after the 1988 bathing season, - were re-opened to swimmers in 1990.

Wastes

Waste arisings are monitored annually and the information is essential for planning future waste disposal facilities. Compared to the 1989 arisings, waste quantities increased in 1990 to 15 200 tonnes per day. The quantities of domestic waste and industrial/commercial waste increased by eight per cent and 22 per cent respectively while the construction waste increased significantly by 40 per cent. The general increase in waste arisings reflects the continued economic growth, in particular in the construction industry.

Some 1.2 million tonnes of waste material including waste paper, metals and plastics were recycled for export in 1990, valued at some $2.4 billion. Local recycling is known to be active, although reliable statistics are difficult to obtain. Biodegradable plastic bags are replacing conventional types in a major supermarket chain. Pilot schemes on separate waste paper collection have begun with a view to minimising waste output. This trend has been driven by a strong sense of awareness by the public of the waste problem caused by large quantities of plastic bags, paper and packaging material in daily life.

Air Quality

The EPD has established a network of fixed monitoring stations to measure ambient air quality throughout the territory. During 1990, the department increased the number of continuous monitoring stations to 10 to acquire information to assess compliance with AQOs, monitor long-term trends in air quality and assist in planning the future development of the territory. Work has started on the development of new monitoring stations in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long. All continuous air quality measurements made at the remote stations are telemetered to the EPD's central computer for processing and reporting.