ENG-2008 — Page 348

280 The Environment

involved trans-shipment of hazardous electronic waste through Hong Kong to other places.

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 2008, 17 166 tonnes were collected. Besides law enforcement, the Government also uses publicity and education to tackle the floating refuse problem.

Marine Dumping

The EPD maintains strict control over marine dumping operations via a permit system under the Dumping at Sea Ordinance. These operations follow the requirements of the London Convention to which Hong Kong is a Contracting Party.

Since August 2008, all marine dumping vessels operating under permits issued by EPD have to be equipped with an automatic self-monitoring device that transmits real-time data to the EPD Control Centre to allow the authorities to trace any illegal dumping in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, the department's inspectors conduct frequently patrols of Hong Kong waters to prevent illegal dumping.

Monitoring and Investigation

Assessing the progress made in achieving policy goals is one of the EPD's key activities. The results gained from routine monitoring and special investigations form the basis for much of the department's strategic planning, provision of facilities and statutory controls. The department has 94 sampling stations in marine waters including enclosed bays and typhoon shelters, and another 82 stations for inland waters. It also monitors 41 bathing beaches.

The water quality monitoring programme provides a comprehensive record of the physiochemical and microbiological condition of Hong Kong waters. Annual reports of monitoring data are available on the EPD's website. Water quality of the major marine and river stations is published monthly on the website and gradings of water quality of bathing beaches are published weekly in the media and updated daily on the department's website.

Sustainable Development

The Council for Sustainable Development was appointed by the Chief Executive in March 2003 to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong. The Council has so far addressed five key sustainability issues - solid waste management, renewable energy, urban living space, population policy and better air quality since launching its first public engagement exercise to consult stakeholders in 2004.

The Council conducted a public engagement process on air quality from June to October 2007, and submitted a report with recommendations on the way forward to the Government in early 2008. The Government later released its response to the Council's Report on the Better Air Quality Engagement Process. It fully agrees with the Council that a holistic and comprehensive approach is required to combat air pollution. To this end, the Government is reviewing Hong Kong's Air Quality