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THE ENVIRONMENT

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 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 a fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment for subsequent offences. In 2003, there were six prosecutions for illegal import or export of waste, with fines totalling $130,000.

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

Floating Refuse in the Harbour

The Marine Department deploys a fleet of seven government vessels and 68 contractors' vessels to collect floating refuse. In 2003, 13 926 tonnes of floating refuse were collected. The Government has also tackled the floating refuse problem by raising public awareness through publicity and educational activities, and deterring marine littering by means of enforcement action.

Marine Dumping

Hong Kong's development projects continue to generate vast quantities of dredged mud that is unsuitable for reclamation or other uses (38.3 million cubic metres in 2003). It is dumped at sea in specified mud disposal areas under a permit system. Regular monitoring is undertaken by the Government to make sure that dumping operations would not create an unacceptable impact on the marine environment. Because of the serious potential impact illegal dumping has on the marine environment, the EPD maintains strict control over dumping operations under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance. These operations follow the requirements of the London Convention on marine dumping.

Marine dumping permits only allow operations to be carried out by a vessel equipped with an automatic self-monitoring device. This device tracks all marine dumping operations by recording the position and draught of the vessel, so that the authorities can trace any illegal dumping in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, the department's inspectors operate frequent patrols. There were seven convictions for illegal dumping offences in 2003.

Monitoring and Investigation

The assessment of progress towards achieving policy goals is one of the EPD's key activities. Its routine monitoring and special investigations form the basis for much of the strategic planning, provision of facilities and statutory controls aimed at improving the environment. The department has 94 sampling stations in the marine waters, including enclosed bays and typhoon shelters, and another 82 stations for inland waters. It also keeps 41 bathing beaches under surveillance.

The current water quality monitoring programme was started in 1986. It provides a comprehensive record of the chemical, physical and microbiological quality of Hong Kong's waters. The monitoring data are depicted in the annual water quality reports which are available on the EPD's home page. Members of the public are usually more