ENG-2000 — Page 347

THE ENVIRONMENT

international experts to review and assess the dioxin emissions in Hong Kong. The experts concluded that Hong Kong's ambient dioxin level is similar to that in urbanised countries and with proper control, emissions from the existing and planned waste treatment facilities will not constitute any significant health impact. The Government recognises, however, that there are legitimate community concerns about emissions such as dioxins and the community will be consulted before any decisions are made.

Import and Export of Waste

Controls on the import and export of waste under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) (Cap. 354) came into operation on September 1, 1996. A ban on the importation of hazardous waste from developed (mainly OECD and European Union) countries was introduced on December 28, 1998. The controls are in line with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

The convention's main control mechanism requires notification and consent by authorities of the states of origin, destination and transit before the shipment of hazardous or non-recyclable waste can begin. The import or export of hazardous or non-recyclable waste into or out of Hong Kong without a permit, regardless of the purpose of the import or export, is an offence under the WDO. Maximum penalties include a fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment for the first offence, and $500,000 and two years for subsequent offences. In 2000, there were 24 convictions for illegal import or export of waste, with fines totalling $243,000.

In January 2000, a memorandum of understanding with the State Environmental Protection Agency was signed on the control of hazardous waste shipments between the HKSAR and the Mainland.

Floating Refuse in the Harbour

The Marine Department collects floating refuse through a combined fleet of government and contract vessels. The Government has stepped up its preventive action against sources of floating refuse, set up more refuse collection points in busy areas and increased publicity and educational activities. In 1996, the Marine Department began a three-year programme to modernise its refuse collection and scavenging fleet, which was completed by March. A combined fleet comprising 13 government and 53 contract vessels is in operation to provide refuse collection services.

In an effort to further improve the services, the Government welcomed a private sector initiative whereby a trial of a new type of vessel started in late 1999. The results of the trial will be examined carefully before it is decided what further measures are to be taken.

Marine Dumping

Hong Kong's development projects continue to generate vast quantities of dredged mud that is unsuitable for reclamation or other uses (35 million cubic metres in 2000). It is dumped at sea in specified mud disposal areas under a permit system. Because of the serious impact illegal dumping has on the marine environment, the EPD maintains strict control over dumping operations under the Dumping at Sea

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