ENG-2010 — Page 350

292 The Environment

commission the first phase of OWTF before mid-2010s. However, even with such facilities, residual waste will still need to be disposed of at landfills.

In order to deal with the ever-increasing sewage sludge generated from the sewage treatment works, the design and construction of a dedicated Sludge Treatment Facility at Tsang Tsui near Nim Wan, Tuen Mun commenced in October 2010 with a view to starting operation in late 2013. It will adopt advanced incineration technology and has a treatment capacity of 2 000 tonnes per day.

Import and Export of Waste

Import and export of waste are regulated by a permit system under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO). The control is in line with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, which adopts a prior informed consent procedure for shipments of controlled waste. The WDO was amended to incorporate the Basel Ban in 2006 and no import permits will be issued for hazardous waste from developed countries.

The EPD participates actively in international programmes deterring illegal waste shipments. It has established intelligence networks with many overseas control authorities and taken part in joint enforcement exercises against these shipments. Also, the mainland of China and the HKSAR have collaborated to control transboundary movements of hazardous waste between the two areas under a formal agreement since 2000. Joint enforcement actions amongst the HKSAR and the Mainland control authorities were regularly made to curb waste smuggling activities across the border.

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 2010, 15 788 tonnes were collected. In addition to 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. The department's inspectors conduct frequent 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