The Environment 1 321
more interested in the latest water quality grades of bathing beaches, such details are issued to the media and updated on the department's website every week.
Government Laboratory
The Government Laboratory supports the enforcement of environmental protection legislation and the implementation of various environmental programmes through comprehensive analytical and advisory services. In 2004, the laboratory performed 240 479 tests on environmental samples including air, water, sediment, biota and waste samples, and has provided a large volume of useful data for environmental programmes such as background monitoring, special studies and investigation of illegal discharges. The laboratory's commitment to protect the environment is further exemplified by providing round-the-clock support in the handling of emergencies involving chemical spills or suspected emission of noxious and irritating gas. As part of air quality management, vehicular diesel fuel and unleaded petrol are also routinely tested against legal requirements.
Regarding special studies, the laboratory has continued to offer technical support to the EPD in the implementation of several projects. In particular, the laboratory has analysed stack samples for dioxins to monitor emissions from the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre at Tsing Yi. Furthermore, since 2003, the laboratory has actively participated in a project on the determination of trace organic pollutants in particulates collected in road tunnels. This project was initiated by the EPD in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to provide a better understanding of the air quality in road tunnels. The laboratory has also contributed to the EPD's Toxic Substances Monitoring Program, which keeps toxic substances in the marine environment under close surveillance. The test parameters include dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Flora
Hong Kong is near the northern limit of the distribution of tropical South-East Asian flora, sharing similar species and structure with the flora of Guangdong Province. Despite its small size, Hong Kong has a rich flora with about 3 100 species of vascular plants. Various conservation measures have transformed the formerly bare hillsides and slopes into impressive woodlands. Besides greening and beautifying the countryside, woodlands are important habitats for wildlife and are essential for protecting water catchments from soil erosion. They also provide recreational opportunities for the public.
Remnants of the original forest cover, either scrub forest or well-developed woodlands, are still found in steep ravines. They have survived through their location. in precipitous topography and the moist winter micro-climate.
Terrestrial Fauna
Hong Kong's climate and physical environment provide a wide range of habitats and support a rich and varied fauna. These include about 450 species of birds,
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