ENG-2005 — Page 353

The Environment 303

can be applied to deal with wastes that differ in nature. It should include biological treatment, mechanical-biological treatment and one of the thermal technologies such as incineration. The Government aims to commission the large-scale waste treatment facilities in the mid 2010s. However, even with such facilities, there is residual waste that must be handled safely. Hence, Hong Kong will continue to require landfills for the final disposal of waste.

Import and Export of Waste

Controls on the import and export of waste under the Waste Disposal Ordinance ban the importation of hazardous waste from developed countries (mainly members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union). 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.

In January 2000, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the HKSAR and the Mainland to strengthen control of hazardous waste movement between the two places.

Under the ordinance, it is an offence to import or export hazardous waste, regardless of its purpose, into or out of Hong Kong without a permit. In 2005, there were 43 prosecutions for illegal import and export of waste, with fines totalling $338,500. Most of these offences were related to trans-shipment of hazardous electronic waste through Hong Kong to other places in the Asia-Pacific Region. The EPD, with the aid of both local and overseas control authorities, began stepping up enforcement against these illegal activities in early 2004.

Floating Refuse in the Harbour

The Marine Department deploys a fleet of about 70 contractors' vessels to collect floating refuse and refuse from vessels. In 2005, 14 985 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 (19.8 million cubic metres in 2005). 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.