ENG-1996 — Page 474

THE ENVIRONMENT

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The State of the Environment

A 1989 White Paper entitled Pollution in Hong Kong A Time to Act acknowledged that the environment was in an unsatisfactory state largely because of the earlier lack of emphasis placed on this area by the government. Measures have been introduced over the years to ensure that decision-makers give greater emphasis to environmental matters. In December 1993, the government issued A Green Challenge for the Community, which was its second review of the 1989 White Paper.

Aside from stressing the need for public awareness and participation to improve the environment, the document examined the progress of the government's environmental protection programme, set down the basis for action and explained new initiatives for improving the performance of the government and the community. It emphasised the development of collective responsibility, including sustaining the environment, private sector participation and the adoption of the 'polluter pays' principle.

The third review was published in March 1996, reporting on the progress of environmental programmes stipulated in the 1989 White Paper and setting the course for preventing environmental problems and promoting sustainable development.

Urban Environmental Quality

The government has put a lot of resources and effort into meeting the challenges of Hong Kong's older urban areas. These consist of dense housing mixed with commerce and industry and an infrastructure that falls short of modern standards. Incompatible neighbouring uses, air and water pollution, noise, and waste disposal problems are common.

Hong Kong's objectives for air quality are comparable with internationally recognised air quality standards for the protection of public health. The actual air quality does not always meet the objectives. Total suspended particulates, respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide levels are high on occasions.

In 1996, the highest annual averages recorded were 136 micrograms per cubic metre of total suspended particles and 73 micrograms per cubic metre of respirable suspended particles, both at levels above the objectives. Nitrogen dioxide levels were a significant proportion of the objective value of 80 micrograms per cubic metre. Emissions from motor vehicles are the main source of these pollutants. Further cleaner fuel and tighter emission standards for diesel vehicles will be introduced in 1997.

Noise from road, rail and aircraft operations continue to be a major problem despite the adoption of various mitigation measures. From August 1996, the noise emission from newly registered vehicles has been controlled to help alleviate road traffic noise problems. Construction noise is also of particular concern due to the great number of infrastructure and major housing projects. New controls were therefore put in place in November 1996 to further restrict construction activities at night and during holidays in populous areas.

Water pollution has increased with urban development. Of the two million tonnes of sewage produced per day in Hong Kong, three quarters discharge into Victoria Harbour with only screening out of the solid material. Water quality in Victoria Harbour remains poor, but significant improvements will be seen when the first stage of the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme which will treat 70 per cent of the flows