ENG-2018 — Page 297

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The Environment

Power Generation

Power plants are a major source of local emissions. The government tightens statutory emission caps on the power sector progressively and encourages the power companies to use cleaner fuel. It aims to achieve cuts of 59 per cent to 79 per cent in the three key pollutants, SO2, NOx and RSP, in 2022 compared with 2010 levels by tightening the emission caps.

Indoor Air Quality

A voluntary certification scheme recognises good indoor air quality management practices in offices and public places, and provides incentives for property owners and management companies to pursue the best indoor air quality.

Ozone Layer Protection

The Montreal Protocol for controlling substances that deplete the ozone layer applies to Hong Kong. The Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance prohibits the manufacture of these substances and their import for local consumption, except hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are subject to import quotas with a view to imposing a blanket import ban by 2020.

Non-road Mobile Machinery

Non-road mobile machinery newly supplied for use in Hong Kong are required to meet statutory emission requirements, namely the Euro Stage IIIA emission standard for machines such as crawler cranes, air compressors and excavators, and the Euro V emission standard for non-road vehicles. All machinery to be used in specified activities or locations, such as Hong Kong International Airport, container terminals and construction sites, must bear EPD-issued labels.

Noise Pollution

Road Traffic Noise

To mitigate the impact of traffic noise on residents, proponents of development projects are required to assess traffic noise impact when planning new roads and residential developments, provide direct mitigation measures such as noise barriers and low-noise road surfacing for new roads, and adopt innovative noise mitigation designs such as acoustic balconies and windows. All newly registered vehicles must comply with internationally recognised noise standards. As regards existing roads, the government installs noise barriers and lays low-noise road surfacing materials, with 93 road sections enhanced through these efforts as at end-2018.

Railway Noise

The department will request the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to make improvements if the noise emitted by the trains exceeds the standards. The MTRCL carries out noise reduction programmes and must subject new railway projects to statutory environmental impact

assessments.

Aircraft Noise

The impact of aircraft noise on residents in the vicinity of flight paths at the airport is within planning standards, notwithstanding concerns about nuisance from aircraft noise during

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