ENG-2004 — Page 378

320 The Environment

Under the WDO, it is an offence to import or export hazardous waste, regardless of its purpose, into or out of Hong Kong without a permit. Maximum penalties are 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 2004, there were 37 prosecutions for illegal import and export of waste, with fines totaling $490,000. Most of these offences were releated to trans-shipment of hazardous electronic waste through Hong Kong to other countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. The EPD has stepped up enforcement with both local and overseas control authorities against these illegal activities since early 2004.

Floating Refuse in the Harbour

The Marine Department deploys a fleet of seven government vessels and 75 contractors' vessels to collect floating refuse and refuse from vessels. In 2004, 13 874 tonnes 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.

Marine Dumping

Hong Kong's development projects continue to generate vast quantities of dredged mud that is unsuitable for reclamation or other uses (31.3 million cubic metres in 2004). 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 do not create an unacceptable impact on the marine environment. Because of the serious potential impact of illegal dumping 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 allow operations to be carried out only 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 33 prosecutions for illegal dumping offences in 2004.

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 provides a comprehensive record of the chemical, physical and microbiological quality of Hong Kong's waters. The monitoring data is depicted in the annual water quality reports available on the EPD's home page. Information on the latest water quality of the major marine and river stations is also published quarterly on the home page. As the public are usually