ENG-1995 — Page 458

THE ENVIRONMENT

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The department operates nine air quality monitoring stations. They are equipped with continuous ambient monitoring instruments for measuring sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, photochemical oxidants and carbon monoxide. Respirable and total suspended particulates (dust) and lead concentrations are also measured. Results of measurements at the Kwai Chung, Central and Western, and Mong Kok monitoring stations are reported and published each month. These stations broadly represent air quality in industrial areas, in combined commercial-residential districts, and near road traffic in built-up urban areas.

In response to public demand, the department introduced a new Air Pollution Index and Forecast System on June 6, 1995. It simplifies the daily air quality measurements and forecasts the following day's air quality. Development of this system was sponsored by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.

A survey of municipal solid waste is conducted every year to collect up-to-date information for planning disposal facilities. About 23 000 tonnes of solid wastes were disposed of at landfills and incinerators each day in 1995. Of this, 6 000 tonnes were domestic waste, 1 800 tonnes were commercial and industrial waste and 14 800 tonnes came from construction activities.

Local waste recovery activities continued to play an important role in waste management, resulting in the export of substantial quantities of recovered waste materials for recycling overseas. In all, 1.6 million tonnes of waste materials, including waste paper, metals and plastic, were exported in 1995 and generated export earnings of over $3 billion. More than 600 000 tonnes of waste paper, metals, plastic scrap and glass were reprocessed locally.

The government encourages waste avoidance and minimisation. A Waste Reduc- tion Study commissioned in 1994 to develop an integrated waste reduction strategy for the territory was completed in autumn 1995 and an initial implementation pro- gramme covering waste avoidance, material recovery and development of bulk waste reduction facilities is being formulated.

The department also carries out noise monitoring and surveys. It is in particular concerned about traffic in densely-populated and congested metroplan areas.

Government Laboratory

The Government Laboratory provides analytical support to the EPD and other government bodies in obtaining environmental data. As an independent agency, the laboratory also examines environmental samples to certify compliance or otherwise with environmental regulations in court proceedings.

More than 200 000 tests were performed in 1995 on samples of our atmosphere, oceans, rivers, bottom sediment, aquatic species, waste effluent, sewage discharge and even oil slicks at sea. The laboratory also attended incidents of chemical spill or mysterious gas emission where on-site advice was required.

Growing 'green' awareness within the community inevitably led to calls for more scientific information and more stringent control limits. Anticipating the change, the laboratory has engaged in a stream of research activities to keep abreast in the field of environmental chemistry. The year's research included the analysis of indoor air pollutants, the detection of dioxin, the characterisation of air particulates and the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vehicle emission. Experience