ENG-2006 — Page 355

The Environment | 291

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.

In 2006, there were 49 prosecutions for illegal import and export of waste, with fines totalling $630,000. Most of these offences were related to trans-shipment of hazardous electronic waste through Hong Kong to other places in the Asia-Pacific Region.

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 2006, 16 210 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 (9.2 million cubic metres in 2006). It is dumped at sea in specified mud disposal areas under a permit system. Regular government monitoring is undertaken to ensure that dumping operations do not create an unacceptable impact 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 to allow the authorities to trace any illegal dumping in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, the department's inspectors operate frequent patrols.

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. The department has 94 sampling stations in the marine waters, including enclosed bays