ENG-1992 — Page 431

THE ENVIRONMENT

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serve noise abatement notices that require reduction of excessive noise by a given date. Failure to comply with noise abatement notices is an offence, liable to prosecution. During 1992, 2 392 complaints were investigated; 246 noise abatement notices served; and 87 cases prosecuted. Fines on noise offenders ranged from $1,000 to $50,000.

Transport

Transport by road and rail may cause air pollution and noise nuisance. Shipping is less likely to cause these problems, but may cause water pollution through inappropriate waste disposal.

Large diesel vehicles are major contributors to vehicle emissions. The government is developing control strategies that include up to date emission standards for large vehicles and tightened inspection and maintenance requirements on certain classes of vehicles to reduce emissions.

Since April 1991 all petrol stations must sell unleaded petrol, to ensure its availability for cars with catalytic converters. The market share of unleaded petrol averaged about 56 per cent in 1992, even though the price advantage for unleaded petrol of $1.01 was reduced to $0.29 in April.

The Air Pollution Control (Vehicle Design Standards) (Emission) Regulations became effective in January 1992. These regulations require that all new vehicles of 2.5 tonnes or less must meet stringent emission standards. To comply, petrol cars must be fitted with catalytic converter emission control devices and engine management systems. The regulations also require that all petrol driven cars registered after January 1992 must use unleaded petrol.

The existing scheme for reporting 'spotted' smoky vehicles was revised in October 1991. Smoky vehicles that are spotted are now directed to attend a designated testing centre to confirm that the smoke problem has been rectified. There are 20 centres in operation, which examined 44 426 vehicles in 1992.

In some areas, traffic noise is not only causing problems during day-time, it may also disturb sleep at night. A practical way to minimise sleep disturbance is to divert traffic, particularly heavy vehicles, away from noise sensitive receivers. An amendment to the Road Traffic Ordinance made in 1992 enables the authority to regulate traffic on environ- mental grounds.

Noise from the operation of rail transport is controlled under the Noise Control Ordinance. During 1992, the Mass Transit Railway Corporation completed noise mitigation work on the viaducts near Tsui Wan Estate, Chai Wan. It plans to do the same at Heng Fa Chuen, Chai Wan. Meanwhile the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation is preparing a comprehensive noise mitigation programme for various locations along its lines.

Controls on the discharge of oily wastes, noxious liquids and other harmful materials from ships have been introduced under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance. Among other things, the law sets minimum requirements aboard ocean-going and local vessels to prevent polluting discharges.

Construction and demolition

The noise and vibration of the percussive pile-driver, once so characteristic of Hong Kong's massive construction programme, is now minimised by restricting its operation during the day. Construction industry is no less active, however, and still generates much