ENG-1998 — Page 463

THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance

The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance came into effect on April 1, 1998 to formalise and strengthen the existing EIA arrangements. It provides a systematic, clear and transparent framework for assessing the environmental impacts arising from major development projects and for implementing effective prevention and mitigation measures. It is supplemented by a technical memorandum setting out clear, consistent technical guidelines and criteria.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Environmental monitoring and auditing has become an integral part of the EIA process to ensure that every project delivers the environmental performance promised in the impact assessments. In 1998, the EPD managed about 103 monitoring and audit programmes for major projects. These programmes often extend beyond the construction of a project into its operation. Recent examples include operational noise monitoring for the airport railway and traffic noise monitoring for West Kowloon Expressway.

The EPD has participated in international conferences to share its experiences on environmental monitoring and audit with other professionals in the field who recognise Hong Kong's expertise.

Land Use Planning

The EIA process extends into land use planning. The Advisory Council on the Environment considered the results of a strategic environmental assessment of the Territorial Development Strategy Review in 1996. In 1997 the Planning Department began further studies of some strategic growth areas that the review identified. An EIA in each of these further studies will identify major environmental issues and solutions for integration into more detailed land use plans.

Environmental Sustainability

The assessment of the Territorial Development Strategy showed that continuing urbanisation would be likely to have implications on air and water quality, increase public exposure to noise and overload Hong Kong's waste disposal capacity. While the timely provision of resources and environmental mitigation measures could resolve some of these issues, others may require fundamental reconsideration of the proposals' implications on Hong Kong's long term sustainability. A Study on Sustainable Development for the 21st Century began in September 1997. It is scheduled for completion by end-1999 and will deliver a sustainable development system which will integrate environmental, economic and social considerations for decision-making on major development schemes on government policies.

Environmental Management

To set a good example for the private sector, the government established a Green Manager Scheme in 1992 to implement a programme of green housekeeping measures within departments including waste minimisation, waste recovery and energy conservation. More recently, the government has promoted more widespread

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