ENG-1993 — Page 457

THE ENVIRONMENT

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and bromofluorocarbons (halons), and imposes restrictions on the import and export of these substances through licensing and quota controls. The ordinance was amended in 1992 and the control of ozone-depleting substances extended to cover 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride and 10 other fully halogenated CFCs with effect from January 1, 1993.

In 1993, there was one prosecution under the ordinance, with a $10,000 fine imposed. In a meeting of the parties to the Montreal Protocol in Copenhagen in November 1992, it was further agreed that the schedule to phase out ozone-depleting substances should be substantially accelerated. The use of halons will have to be completely phased out by 1994 and CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane by 1996. In the interim, local consumption of CFCs will have to be reduced by 75 per cent in 1994. These controls are being implemented through the existing quota system.

The Montreal Protocol also requires all parties to prohibit the import of a list of products containing CFCs or halons from non-party countries, with effect from May 1993. The Ozone Layer Protection (Products Containing Scheduled Substances) (Import Banning) Regulations were enacted in 1993 to effect such control.

The Ozone Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants) Regulations were also approved by the Legislative Council in 1993, to be effective on a date to be appointed. The regulations prohibit the intentional venting of CFC-based refrigerants from large air-conditioning units and from motor vehicle air-conditioners. While this regulation aims at minimising the emission of CFCs into the atmosphere and reducing the demand for virgin materials, it will also encourage the recovery and recycling of CFCs by industries, which will help meet the tight phasing-out schedule. Subsidiary legislation banning the venting of CFCs into the atmosphere during the decommissioning or servicing of air-conditioning or refrigeration units is being prepared.

Neighbourhood Noise

Noise from domestic premises and public places is classified as neighbourhood noise. The police handle complaints about such noise. During 1993, the police dealt with 400 complaints and prosecuted 20 offenders.

Provision of Facilities and Services

Every day, Hong Kong produces two million tonnes of sewage and 7 900 tonnes of municipal solid waste. The government has adopted detailed strategies to deal with these challenges.

The sewage strategy requires improved sewage collection facilities under sewerage master plans, and a system of deep tunnels and treatment works to treat and dispose of the sewage from the Victoria Harbour area.

Continued work on developing and implementing the sewerage master plans made good progress during the year. Site investigation and engineering studies continued, and detailed design started, for the strategic sewage disposal scheme.

Domestic, commercial and industrial waste, collectively referred to as municipal solid waste, is forecast to increase by 3.2 per cent annually over the next 14 years. By the year 2006, some 12 300 tonnes of municipal solid waste will require collection and disposal each day. The waste disposal plan, setting out the framework for management of all waste types, was published in late 1989. The plan specifies the waste disposal strategy for the

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