Action Minutes of the 6th Meeting of the Food, Environment and Hygiene Committee Eastern District Council

Date: 23 October 2018 (Tuesday) Time: 2:30 pm Venue: Eastern District Council (EDC) Conference Room

Present Time of Arrival Time of Departure (pm) (pm) Mr TING Kong-ho, Eddie 5:05 end of meeting Mr WONG Chi-chung, Dominic 2:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Chun-sing, Patrick 5:45 end of meeting Mr WONG Kwok-hing, BBS, MH 2:30 5:00 Mr KU Kwai-yiu 2:30 end of meeting Mr HO Ngai-kam, Stanley 2:30 end of meeting Ms LI Chun-chau (Chairperson) 2:30 end of meeting Mr LEE Chun-keung 2:30 end of meeting Mr LAM Sum-lim 2:30 end of meeting Mr LAM Kei-tung, George 2:40 4:15 Mr SHIU Ka-fai 4:00 end of meeting Mr HUNG Lin-cham, MH 6:15 end of meeting Mr CHUI Chi-kin 2:35 end of meeting Mr CHEUNG Kwok-cheong, Howard 2:57 end of meeting Mr LEUNG Siu-sun, Patrick 2:35 end of meeting Mr LEUNG Kwok-hung, David 2:30 end of meeting Ms LEUNG Wing-man, Bonnie 3:39 7:10 Mr HUI Lam-hing 2:35 5:00 Mr HUI Ching-on 2:30 3:30 Mr KWOK Wai-keung, Aron, JP 2:30 4:25 Mr MAK Tak-ching 4:55 6:35 Ms CHIK Kit-ling, Elaine 2:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Kin-pan, BBS, MH, JP 2:30 5:00 Mr WONG Kin-hing 3:00 6:00 Mr YEUNG Sze-chun 2:30 end of meeting Dr CHIU Ka-yin, Andrew 2:30 end of meeting Mr CHIU Chi-keung, BBS 2:30 end of meeting

1 Action Mr LAU Hing-yeung 2:30 end of meeting Ms CHOY So-yuk, BBS, JP 4:30 6:30 Mr CHENG Chi-sing 2:30 end of meeting (Vice-chairperson) Mr CHENG Tat-hung 2:30 end of meeting Mr LAI Chi-keong, Joseph 2:30 end of meeting Mr NGAN Chun-lim, MH 2:35 end of meeting Mr LO Wing-kwan, Frankie, MH 2:45 5:50 Mr NG Chi-lung, Tony (co-opted 2:30 3:32 member) Ms LI Lok-yan (co-opted member) 2:30 4:55

Absent with Apologies

Mr KUNG Pak-cheung, BBS, MH

In Regular Attendance (Government Representatives)

Mr CHAN Sheung-man, District Officer (Eastern), Simon, JP Eastern District Office Ms KONG Kei-kei, Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Hayley Eastern District Office Mr LEUNG Kin-tak, Executive Officer (District Management), Kenneth Eastern District Office Ms FAN Yuk-ling, Amy Deputy District Leisure Manager (Eastern)2, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr YAN Ki-kit Acting District Engineer/North East, Highways Department Miss CHEUNG Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional Wai-ping, Clara South)2, Environmental Protection Department Mr TSANG Heng-wick, Principal Estate Officer / Kong East(2), Simon District Lands Office ( East) Mr KWOK Wing-chuen Assistant Police Community Relations Officer (Eastern District), Mr TSANG Wing-lok, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent Gabriel (Eastern), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

2 Action Mr WONG Wai-leung Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)1, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Miss WAH Pui-yee, Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Vivian Eastern District Office Ms LEE Shuk-han, Executive Officer I (District Council)2, Phoebe (Secretary) Eastern District Office

In Attendance by Invitation (Representatives from the Government and Organisations)

Mrs KWOK WONG Deputy Director of Environmental Protection(2) Wing-ki, Vicki, JP Environmental Protection Department Mr FONG Kin-wa Assistant Director (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Environmental Protection Department Mr WONG Wai-man, Principal Environmental Protection Officer Raymond (Community Recycling Support) Environmental Protection Department Mr WONG Wai-yuen Senior Environmental Protection Officer(Waste Reduction and Recycling)6 Environmental Protection Department Ms LAM Man-ching, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Heidi Reduction and Recycling)8 Environmental Protection Department Mr SIU Chi-wai, Principal Environmental Protection Officer Stephen (Product Eco-responsibility) Environmental Protection Department Ms LING Yuen-chi, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Florence Management Policy)1 Environmental Protection Department Mr CHAN Yip-wai, Acting Senior Environmental Protection Officer Edward (Waste Management Policy)5 Environmental Protection Department Dr CHAN Siu-kun, Chairman, Works and Development Committee Alex, BBS The Board of Management of The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries Mr TSANG Member, Works and Development Committee Heung-kwan, MH, JP The Board of Management of The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries

3 Action Mr Desmond CHEUNG Head - Projects The Board of Management of The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries Ms Ann LEE Head - Operations & Corporate Communications The Board of Management of The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries Mr Tinson LEUNG Director, Ho Wang SPB Limited Mr Tommy LAM Traffic Engineer Ho Wang SPB Limited Miss LEUNG Mei-yin, Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)2, May Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr YUEN Wai-ip, Senior Environmental Protection Officer(Waste Edmond Transfer and Development)1 Environmental Protection Department Mr CHEUNG Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Food Wai-cheong, Charles Waste Recycling)3 Environmental Protection Department Dr YANG Rong, Ron Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Water Policy and Science) Environmental Protection Department Mr NG Chi-tat, Mac Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Reduction and Recycling)1 Environmental Protection Department

Opening Remarks

The Chairperson welcomed all Members and government representatives to the meeting.

I. Confirmation of the Draft Minutes of the 5th Meeting of FEHC

2. The Food, Environment and Hygiene Committee (FEHC) confirmed the above-mentioned draft minutes without amendment.

II. Report of Working Group (FEHC Paper No. 27/18)

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3. The FEHC noted the report of Working Group on Environmental Protection, Greening and Street Management.

III. Project Glass Bottle Recycling in Eastern District (FEHC Paper No. 28/18)

4. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Stephen SIU, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Product Eco-responsibility), Ms Florence LING, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Management Policy)1, and Mr Edward CHAN, Acting Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Management Policy)5 of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to the meeting. Mr Stephen SIU of the EPD introduced Paper No. 28/18.

5. The views and enquiries of 13 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr Dominic WONG supported the EPD’s promotion of glass bottle recycling and hoped the EPD would step up publicity and add glass bottle collection bins next to the existing three-coloured waste separation bins so that members of the public could handle the recyclables together. He would be happy to provide more advice for activities organised by the EPD.

(b) Mr WONG Kwok-hing used the Siu Sai Wan Estate Bus Terminus as an example to illustrate that the three-coloured waste separation bins in the area were often overflowing. Although the new service contract required the contractors to step up the cleaning of recycling bins, the situation had not improved and the hygienic condition of the streets was unsatisfactory. He hoped the EPD would strengthen the supervision of contractors’ performance.

(c) Mr KU Kwai-yiu expressed appreciation of the EPD’s implementation of the “One Household One Bottle” scheme and hoped this would help foster a habit of recycling glass bottles among the public. He hoped the EPD would publicise the glass bottle recycling project through television advertisements and consider using animations to facilitate the dissemination of messages. He also suggested the EPD widely publicise the use of recycled glass bottles to facilitate public

5 Action understanding of the importance of recycling.

(d) Mr LEE Chun-keung supported the EPD’s implementation of the “One Household One Bottle” scheme and hoped the EPD would step up publicity and education efforts to educate the public on the importance of clean recycling to avoid environmental hygiene problems. He also asked whether the EPD would consider providing incentives to the public to encourage them to recycle glass bottles. He was also willing to nominate housing estates to participate in the recycling activities and welcomed the EPD to contact him.

(e) Mr Patrick LEUNG supported the EPD’s implementation of the glass bottle recycling project and asked the EPD to step up education and publicity efforts to promote the importance of clean recycling and maintain a clean and hygienic environment. For the convenience of the public and in order to further enhance recycling efforts, he suggested the EPD increase the number of recycling bins in residential areas and consider providing additional recycling bins near shopping malls to encourage the public to practice recycling.

(f) Mr CHUI Chi-kin believed that the current glass bottle recycling efforts were ineffective as there was only a slight increase in the number of glass bottles recycled from housing estates in the area since 2017 to date. In addition, due to the public’s lack of awareness of clean recycling, many of the recyclables could not be reused and had to be disposed of at landfills. Even if there were sufficient recycling bins in the area, the recovery of recyclables still failed to reach the performance indicator. He questioned the effectiveness of deploying massive amount of resources to organise activities and asked the EPD to consider providing incentives to the public to encourage the public to practice recycling.

(g) Mr LAM Sum-lim supported the EPD’s promotion of glass bottle recycling. He also pointed out that some members of the public would dump refuse illegally at the three-coloured waste separation bins on a recurrent basis, and the situation was especially worse in the alleys behind some restaurants where glass shards were scattered on the floor from overflowing glass bottle collection bins. As such, he

6 Action hoped the EPD would pay attention to the problem and try to find ways to improve the situation. He also suggested the EPD step up education efforts and provide incentives to the public to increase the effectiveness of recycling efforts.

(h) Mr CHENG Tat-hung believed that as the content of the project was similar to the current recycling practice of Eastern Community Green Station and the EPD had not provided any incentive to the public, it would be difficult to attract public participation. He also suggested the EPD step up publicity on the use of recycled glass bottles and consider using recycling bins of designated colours for the recycling of glass bottles to facilitate easy identification by members of the public.

(i) Mr Aron KWOK believed that it was ineffective to solely rely on the recycling efforts of the private sector and suggested the Government make reference to the practice in Korea and regulate the recycling work of glass bottle manufacturers through legislation to solve the problem from the source more effectively.

(j) Mr CHIU Chi-keung believed that the current recycling policy was not very effective. Therefore, he suggested the EPD step up promotion at housing estates and provide incentives to the public to encourage the public to practice recycling. He also pointed out that previously some beer companies and beverage manufacturers had provided glass bottle recycling services. He hoped the EPD would make reference to their practices and instruct glass bottle manufacturers to be responsible for the recycling of glass bottles.

(k) Mr WONG Kin-pan said that many restaurants and bars disposed of a large number of glass bottles during international football matches and hoped the EPD would strengthen its cooperation with food and beverage establishments, as well as provide incentives to merchants to encourage them to recycle glass bottles properly. He supported the implementation of the above project by the EPD and agreed that the EPD should step up publicity in housing estates. However, as the number of glass bottles used by households was limited, the recycling volume of glass bottles might be unsatisfactory. Therefore, he hoped the EPD would focus on cooperation with food and beverage establishments.

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(l) Mr LAU Hing-yeung believed that the current recycling efforts at housing estates were ineffective and suggested the EPD provide incentives to boost the recycling rate. He also suggested the EPD come up with a simple and easy-to-remember slogan to be advertised on television and other media channels, and step up public education on the importance of recycling.

(m) Mr Stanley HO asked the EPD how it would ensure that glass management contractors would not dump waste glass at landfills.

6. Mr Stephen SIU of the EPD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The EPD understood the importance of promotion and education efforts and was currently planning to implement a territory-wide scheme with a focus on promoting the glass bottle recycling project. The EPD would also make new posters and promotional videos, as well as hold large-scale promotional activities, to enhance public awareness of recycling.

(b) To make it easier for the public to distinguish glass bottle collection bins, when designing the collection bins, the EPD especially chose to use bins with light grey body and light green lid, and affixed special labels to the bins to prevent the public from confusing them with normal waste collection bins. In addition, the Government was currently designing a set of new labels for glass bottle collection bins to facilitate easy identification by members of the public.

(c) The EPD had already engaged glass management contractors to provide waste glass collection and treatment services, and had permitted the contractors to provide incentives to increase the effectiveness of recycling. The glass management contractors were responsible for establishing and maintaining a network of collection points to make it easier for relevant waste producers (mainly food and beverage establishments) to participate in waste glass bottle recycling. Currently the glass management contractors had set up around 47 collection points in Eastern District, and would gradually expand the collection network to make it easier for food and beverage

8 Action establishments and other persons of the district to participate in glass bottle recycling.

(d) The purpose of the project concerned was to further raise the awareness of housing estates and food and beverage establishments in Eastern District on glass bottle recycling and encourage their active participation. With the target of recycling “One Household One Bottle” in each month, the EPD invited housing estates of the district to actively participate in glass bottle recycling in the form of a competition and prizes would be awarded to housing estates with good recycling performance. The Community Green Stations (CGSs) would also launch reward scheme for the public in accordance with its service model to promote the recycling of glass bottles.

(e) The EPD was currently actively undertaking the preparatory works for the implementation of the “Producer Responsibility Scheme on Glass Beverage Containers”. Under the scheme, the Government would collect recycling fees from suppliers of glass-bottled beverages, and coordinate the efforts to engage glass management contractors to provide waste glass collection and treatment services.

(f) Currently, the glass containers collected would be ground into glass sand, which would be primarily used to produce eco-pavers. The EPD would also study the feasibility of using recycled glass materials for the production of eco-cement or other construction materials.

(g) In accordance with the contract requirements, the glass management contractors shall handle the waste glass collected properly and all waste glass bottles shall be recycled and turned into resources instead of disposing of them at landfills. The EPD would pay the contractors based on the quantity of processed recycled glass materials. Therefore, the glass management contractors had no incentive to dispose of the waste glass bottles collected at landfills.

EPD 7. The Chairperson concluded that Members generally supported the aforementioned project and asked the EPD to note the views of Members, including stepping up education and publicity efforts, increasing incentives for recycling, and regulating the responsibilities of producers through legislative measures to improve the effectiveness of recycling efforts.

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I V. Outreach Service and Pilot Scheme on Central Waste Plastics Collection (FEHC Paper No. 29/18)

8. As agenda items IV and IX were both related to recycling policy, the Chairperson suggested that the two items be discussed together. The FEHC agreed with the relevant suggestion.

9. The Chairperson welcomed Mrs Vicki KWOK, JP, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection(2), Mr FONG Kin-wa, Assistant Director (Waste Reduction and Recycling), Mr Raymond WONG, Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Community Recycling Support), Mr WONG Wai-yuen, Senior Environmental Protection Officer(Waste Reduction and Recycling)6 and Ms Heidi LAM, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Reduction and Recycling)8 of the EPD to the meeting. Mrs Vicki KWOK, JP and Mr Raymond WONG of the EPD introduced Paper No. 29/18 and Mr CHENG Tat-hung introduced Paper No. 34/18.

10. The views and enquiries of 9 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr WONG Kwok-hing hoped that the EPD would provide incentives to the public to encourage the public to practice recycling, and at the same time punish those who did not comply with the municipal solid waste charging regime to be implemented in the future, so as to improve the effectiveness of the recycling efforts through a carrot and stick approach. He once again commented that some of the collection bins in the area were overflowing and hoped the EPD would follow up on the situation and maintain environmental hygiene. He also suggested the EPD discuss the aforementioned papers and other items of the same nature together.

(b) Mr LAM Sum-lim said that since the recycling of waste paper and scrap metal was profitable, the recycling rate of waste paper and scrap metal was higher than that of waste plastic in 2016. He suggested the EPD provide incentives to the public to encourage the public to recycle waste plastic bottles.

10 Action (c) Mr CHUI Chi-kin believed that it was unreasonable for the EPD to prioritise the recycling of two types of waste plastic containers (namely plastic containers for beverages or personal care products). He believed that the public activity programmes were a waste of public funds, and the recycling efforts were ineffective. To raise public willingness to recycle, he suggested the EPD implement a deposit system to encourage the public to take the initiative to recycle waste plastics.

(d) Mr Patrick LEUNG believed that the nature of the work of outreaching teams seemed to overlap with that of the CGSs and asked the EPD how it would ensure that the work of the two would not overlap. He also pointed out that the current recycling scheme was not very attractive and some contractors had not put in full efforts to promote recycling. He hoped the EPD would review the relevant arrangements and step up supervision of the contractors’ performance.

(e) Mr CHENG Tat-hung was happy to see the EPD set up a communication platform. He welcomed the EPD to contact him to enhance publicity in the district. To improve the effectiveness of recycling work, he suggested the EPD strengthen support for recycling work, including enhancing the auxiliary facilities for collection and transportation of recyclables and increasing manpower for sorting waste plastics, to further promote recycling among the public.

(f) Mr Joseph LAI said that there was a clear distinction between the roles of the Government and the private sector, so the EPD must establish a clear division of labour. For example, the EPD should shoulder the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, strengthen regulation over the business practices of manufacturers and reduce the production of plastics; whereas private organisations such as the CGSs should continue to persuade the public to carry out recycling and provide incentives to the public where practicable to encourage the public to practice recycling.

(g) Mr YEUNG Sze-chun suggested the EPD allocate additional resources to support the publicity and education efforts of the CGSs at district level, so as to strengthen the coordination of the Pilot Scheme and the

11 Action outreach service in the hope of carrying out recycling work more effectively.

(h) Mr Dominic WONG hoped that the Environment Bureau would play a coordinating role and introduce the recycling efforts to Members from various aspects to facilitate a focused discussion on relevant agenda items.

(i) The Vice-chairperson said that the public had inadequate knowledge and awareness of the classification of plastic materials, which affected the effectiveness of the recycling efforts. He hoped the EPD would pay attention to the issue and step up publicity and education efforts accordingly.

11. Mrs Vicki KWOK, JP, Mr FONG Kin-wa, and Mr Raymond WONG of the EPD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) To enhance on-site support for recycling, the EPD would set up outreaching teams directly under the EPD to establish and maintain a direct and effective liaison network with property management companies, frontline cleaning staff, residents’ organisations, district council members/ district organisations and other various stakeholders to facilitate and assist them in carrying out the practice of waste separation at source and clean recycling properly. The outreaching teams would also conduct on-site visits to learn about the situation at housing estates/ buildings and the difficulties encountered. They would also give on-site guidance and hands-on demonstrations to offer practical tips on ways to strengthen and improve waste reduction and recycling efforts. This included guidance on how to apply for funding for launching recycling projects, and appropriate support to assist them in identifying proper outlets for recyclables. In addition, the outreaching teams would also visit single-block buildings for on-site inspections and publicity work, so as to provide residents with advice and feasible measures for clean recycling. They would also work with the CGSs and other community partners to strengthen publicity efforts, and to promote various waste reduction and recycling initiatives launched by the EPD, to prepare for future implementation of municipal solid waste charging.

12 Action (b) With regard to the recycling of waste plastics, as some types of waste plastics were of low recycling efficiency, the EPD advocated for prioritization of the recycling of waste plastics with higher recycling value in the market. As for other types of waste plastics, if members of the public had stored clean and sorted waste plastics, they could consider delivering them to the CGSs. The CGSs would accumulate them and identify suitable recyclers for proper treatment.

(c) To further raise the quantities of waste plastics recovered from households and enhance public confidence in waste reduction and recycling works, the EPD planned to roll out a two-year pilot scheme in Eastern District to provide free collection service for waste plastics from non-commercial and industrial sources. The contractors engaged by the EPD would directly collect waste plastics from public and private residential developments, schools, the CGSs and other non-commercial and industrial sources for further treatment. The waste plastics would then be processed into recycled plastic materials or products, so that they could be exported or supplied to the local market to ensure proper handling of the recovered waste plastics.

(d) Under the pilot scheme, the collection and recycling of waste plastics would be operated by one contractor in each district. The contractors would directly contact the property management companies of the housing estates and buildings and other collection points to implement the specific collection arrangements. The contractors would also provide appropriate incentives as necessary to encourage frontline cleaning staff and members of the public to participate in the recycling of waste plastics. The EPD was also considering increasing the service fee in proportion to the volume of recycled products produced by the contractors to increase their incentives for recycling.

(e) To provide suitable services to residents of various districts, the EPD would also establish a liaison platform and invite different stakeholders of the district, including district council members, community leaders/ district organisations, property management companies, owners’ corporations/ owners’ management committees and service contractors, to discuss and improve the implementation of various waste reduction and recycling measures and schemes.

EPD 12. The Chairperson concluded that Members supported the EPD’s

13 Action implementation of the outreach services and the pilot scheme for the provision of free collection and recycling services of waste plastics from non-commercial and industrial sources to encourage members of the public to participate in recycling. Members also hoped that the EPD would step up publicity and education efforts, strengthen collaboration with civil groups, and promote recycling work from legal perspective. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to include Paper No. 34/18 in matters arising.

V. Cape Collinson Chinese Permanent Cemetery Project on Proposed Construction of New Niches (FEHC Paper No. 30/18)

13. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Gabriel TSANG, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Eastern) and Mr WONG Wai-leung, Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)1 of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Dr Alex CHAN, BBS, Chairman of the Works and Development Committee and Mr TSANG Heung-kwan, MH, JP, Member of the Works and Development Committee, Mr Desmond CHEUNG, Head - Projects, and Ms Ann LEE, Head - Operations & Corporate Communications of The Board of Management of The Chinese Permanent Cemeteries (BMCPC), and Mr Tinson LEUNG, Director, and Mr Tommy LAM, Traffic Engineer of Ho Wang SPB Limited to the meeting. Mr Gabriel TSANG of the FEHD, Dr Alex CHAN, BBS, Ms Ann LEE and Mr Desmond CHEUNG of BMCPC introduced Paper No. 30/18.

14. The views and enquiries of 14 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr WONG Kwok-hing supported the proposed construction of new niches as the price of the niches at BMCPC’s columbaria was cheap and the location was close to the city. However, he was particularly concerned about the traffic impact of the new niches and asked BMCPC to discuss this with the Transport Department (TD) to implement mitigation measures. He also pointed out that Chai Wan Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery refused to allow public access to the private roads, which worsened the traffic congestion problem. He hoped the departments concerned would follow up on this. He also hoped that residents of Siu Sai Wan could enjoy priority in applications or transfer services.

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(b) Mr KU Kwai-yiu did not oppose the construction of new niches, but he said that the construction of the niche facilities should be the responsibility of the Government, and the Government already had plans to build a columbarium in a nearby location. As such, he asked whether BMCPC was seeking to reap profit from the proposed project. He supported the proposal to widen the entrance to the East Gate of Cape Collinson Road and asked BMCPC to explain the proposed special arrangement of shuttle bus services in light of road closures during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals. He also suggested BMCPC widen the stairs leading to San Ha Street and reserve priority placement quotas for residents of Eastern District. In addition, due to the massive scale of the proposed project, he was dissatisfied that BMCPC had not consulted the District Council earlier on the proposed project, and believed that the item should be discussed by other committees.

(c) Mr LEE Chun-keung opposed the proposed project. He asked why BMCPC had not invited district councillors from nearby areas to participate in the on-site inspection. He would like to learn about the views of the TD on the project and also believed that as the provision of additional niches involved land planning, so the item should be discussed by the relevant committees. He also suggested BMCPC immediately carry out the works to widen the entrance to the East Gate of Cape Collinson Road and provide additional alighting and boarding points, as well as to avoid using the data on pedestrian flow during Chung Yeung Festival as reference.

(d) Mr David LEUNG said that BMCPC was a non-profit-making organisation, the price of its niches was far lower than that of private institutions. He supported the proposal to build more niches as long as the traffic issue could be resolved properly.

(e) Ms Elaine CHIK said that the low-cost niches provided by BMCPC would benefit the public, so she welcomed BMCPC’s proposal to build additional niches. However, she said that the traffic in Chai Wan area was almost completely paralysed during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, and the widening of Lin Shing Road proposed earlier had yet to be carried out. She hoped BMCPC would resolve the

15 Action traffic issues before building additional niches to avoid further increasing the traffic burden.

(f) Mr LAU Hing-yeung agreed that although there was a strong demand for niches, many cemetery facilities were currently located in Chai Wan, which caused severe traffic congestion at various locations in Chai Wan during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, and the road closure measures also caused nuisances to residents of the area. In addition, as the Government would build additional columbarium facilities in the future, although there were plans to provide escalators and other traffic mitigation measures, it was inevitable that the traffic pressure in Chai Wan would be further aggravated. Therefore, he asked the TD for its views on the traffic impact and hoped that the departments concerned would carefully assess the traffic impact of the proposed project.

(g) Mr WONG Kin-pan was concerned that the proposed project would increase the traffic pressure and had reservations about the project. He explained that as Chai Wan would be severely congested during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, the columbarium facilities proposed to be constructed by the Government would further increase the pedestrian flow. However, various traffic mitigation measures such as the works to widen Wan Tsui Road had yet to be launched even after many interdepartmental meetings, so he hoped BMCPC would resolve the traffic issues before building more niches.

(h) Mr LAM Sum-lim agreed that there was a huge demand for niches, but since the works to widen Wan Tsui Road had yet to be launched, the traffic was severely congested in Chai Wan area during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals and even affected the lives of residents of Shau Kei Wan area, so he hoped BMCPC would resolve the traffic problem before building more niches.

(i) Mr Stanley HO said that many Members were concerned about the aforementioned issue and did not understand why BMCPC had not invited Members for an on-site visit. He also pointed out that the works proposed by BMCPC to widen the East Gate would help to divert the traffic, so BMCPC should have launched the works earlier

16 Action instead of proposing the works only now.

(j) Ms CHOY So-yuk said that BMCPC was a non-profit organisation and it charged a low cost for the niches, so she welcomed BMCPC’s proposal to build additional niches, so as to satisfy public demand for niches. She also pointed out that many Members had specifically met with departmental representatives to discuss the works project to widen Lin Shing Road. She hoped that the departments concerned would proactively follow up on the progress to carry out improvement works as soon as possible, so as to alleviate traffic congestion during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals.

(k) Mr CHUI Chi-kin did not object to the proposed project, but he expressed concern about traffic congestion in the area. He hoped BMCPC would coordinate with the TD to propose improvement plans to resolve the traffic issues. He also asked about the progress of the provision of escalators at San Ha Street.

(l) Mr Joseph LAI said that as there were a number of cemeteries in Chai Wan area, there would be serious traffic congestion in the area during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) also needed to take special road closure measures to facilitate pedestrian flow. In addition, as a new housing estate would be built at Lin Shing Road, he worried that the proposed project would bring in an additional flow of people and hoped that the TD would assess the traffic impact carefully. He also pointed out that the staircases leading to San Ha Street were steep and dilapidated, he hoped BMCPC would carry out repairs as soon as possible to facilitate public access to the cemeteries.

(m) Mr Dominic WONG welcomed BMCPC’s proposal to build additional niches, but he was concerned about the traffic and arrangements for other supporting facilities. He hoped BMCPC would propose improvement plans to facilitate public access to the cemeteries. He also hoped the TD would fully consider the situation in the area and endeavour to resolve the problem of traffic congestion.

(n) Mr CHIU Chi-keung supported BMCPC’s proposal to build additional niches as it would provide more low-cost niches for the public.

17 Action However, as the traffic congestion problem in Chai Wan area was very severe during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, he hoped the departments concerned, including the TD, Housing Department (HD) and the Eastern District Office, would jointly study solutions to the traffic problems and implement necessary traffic mitigation measures, such as the widening of Lin Shing Road, as soon as possible.

15. Dr Alex CHAN, BBS, Ms Ann LEE and Mr Desmond CHEUNG of BMCPC and Mr Gabriel TSANG of the FEHD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

BMCPC

(a) BMCPC was a statutory body established according to Chinese Permanent Cemeteries Ordinance. It currently managed four Chinese Permanent Cemeteries and provided burial grounds, niches and ash scattering services for persons of Chinese race permanently resident in Hong Kong and their relatives. As there was a strong demand for niches, BMCPC saw oversubscription in every round of allocation of new niches. For the sake of fairness, it would be difficult for BMCPC to reserve quotas for the residents of Eastern District.

(b) The Chai Wan Cemetery project had already been approved by the TD. BMCPC had also been coordinating with the departments concerned for traffic arrangements, which included the provision of a special minibus service since Chung Yeung Festival in 2017 to help grave sweepers to return to Chai Wan MTR Station via Lin Shing Road, Chai Wan. This significantly reduced the travelling distance and journey time of the relevant routes and effectively increased the frequencies and passenger capacity.

(c) BMCPC suggested widening the entrance to the East Gate of Cape Collinson Road and providing additional alighting and boarding points to make it easier for vehicles to turn around and also improve traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety, in the hope that this would improve the traffic problems.

(d) BMCPC had also installed road signs to encourage the public to travel

18 Action to Siu Sai Wan or San Ha Street via footpaths. BMCPC would also coordinate with the departments concerned to discuss ways to repair and optimise the footpaths and add more signs to facilitate public use.

(e) BMCPC had already completed the tender procedures for the proposed project and had made arrangements immediately after learning that the District Council must be consulted on the project so as to obtain the support of the District Council and carry out the works as soon as possible.

(f) BMCPC would coordinate the efforts of the departments concerned in formulating traffic and pedestrian flow control measures for the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals from time to time to make it more convenient for the public to pay respect to their ancestors.

FEHD

(g) In addition to the escalator connecting San Ha Street and Cape Collinson Road, the departments concerned had also followed up on three relevant road improvement works in response to the views of Members. A bus bay had been provided at Wan Tsui Road, part of the pavements of Cape Collinson Road had been widened, additional bus and areas had been provided at the junction of Lin Shing Road and Cape Collinson Road, and other relevant road improvement works had been carried out. The Lands Department and the HD estimated that it would take about nine months to process the legal documents and conduct other administrative arrangements related to the return and receipt of land. Once the preparatory work was completed, the departments concerned would carry out the works. According to the information currently available, the construction period would take about 12 months. The departments concerned were currently working to complete the works by 2021.

FEHD, BMCPC 16. The Chairperson concluded that Members generally supported the project to provide additional niches, but Members were very concerned about the traffic impact brought by the provision of new niches and emphasised that the departments concerned and BMCPC must consult stakeholders of the area and implement necessary traffic mitigation measures to alleviate traffic congestion during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals and ease the pedestrian flow.

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VI. Internet Protocol Camera Installation Arrangement in Eastern District (FEHC Paper No. 31/18)

17. As the agenda item was related to the follow-up item (1), The Chairperson suggested that the two items be discussed together. The FEHC agreed with the relevant suggestion.

18. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Gabriel TSANG, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Eastern) and Mr WONG Wai-leung, Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)1 of the FEHD to the meeting. Mr Gabriel TSANG of the FEHD introduced Paper No. 31/18.

19. The views and enquiries of 10 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr Patrick LEUNG asked about the effectiveness of the existing three sets of Internet Protocol (IP) cameras and wished to know whether the cameras could enhance the deterrent effect on illegal waste disposal and effectively improve the hygiene of the area. He also requested the FEHD to give an account of the detailed schedule for the installation of the IP cameras.

(b) Mr LEE Chun-keung approved the FEHD’s installation of IP cameras to improve the situation at hygiene blackspots. He used the situation outside Winner Centre Shopping Arcade, Chai Wan as an example and said that there were often piles of refuse accumulated in various locations in the area and believed that the situation was worthy of attention even though the number of complaints lodged and the relevant prosecution figures were relatively low. He hoped the FEHD would deploy more resources and install more IP cameras.

(c) Ms Bonnie LEUNG said that many media reports had casted doubts on the effectiveness of IP cameras as they merely caused the offenders to dispose of refuse at locations outside the shooting range without actual reducing the number of blackspots. She also said that the installation of IP cameras involved personal privacy of members of the public, so the FEHD must balance the effectiveness of enforcement with public

20 Action interest. She asked for the views of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) on the installation of IP cameras, and asked whether other enforcement departments, including the HKPF, had requested for video footages from the FEHD, the number of requests made, and the reason the video footages were kept for six months.

(d) Ms CHOY So-yuk supported the installation of IP cameras. In fact, she had made the same suggestion several years ago in the hope that it would enhance the deterrent effect on illegal waste disposal. At present, a lot of construction waste was piled up outside the shooting range of the cameras. As such, she suggested expanding the shooting range of the IP cameras or increasing the number of IP cameras to improve environmental hygiene more effectively.

(e) Mr LAM Sum-lim said that the first phase of the installation of IP cameras was very effective and asked whether the FEHD would retain the existing three sets of cameras. He said that although the cameras helped to improve the situation at hygiene blackspots where the problem was more severe, there were still some shortcomings. In addition, as the municipal solid waste charging would be introduced in the future, he suggested the FEHD deploy plainclothes officers to conduct patrols. He hoped the public could develop good habits and dispose of waste properly.

(f) Mr MAK Tak-ching was concerned about the problem of illegal waste disposal by members of the public. Therefore, he recommended a number of possible sites for the installation of IP cameras in the hope that this would deter the illegal practices. He was also worried that the personal privacy of members of the public would be affected, so he asked the FEHD how it would use the video footages for prosecution action, whether it would consider installing the IP cameras without activating the recording function, and whether it would provide video footage to other enforcement departments for criminal investigation.

(g) Mr CHIU Chi-keung said that the installation of IP cameras was worth supporting as it could effectively deter illegal waste disposal. However, he cited Yiu Hing Road as an example and said that the offenders were beginning to dispose of their refuse in new locations.

21 Action As such, he suggested the FEHD retain the existing cameras and fight for resources to install IP cameras at other locations. He then added that the general law-abiding public should not be afraid of video surveillance, so the problem should not be serious.

(h) Mr Eddie TING said that the problem of illegal waste disposal was affecting many sub-districts, so he supported the installation of IP cameras to increase the deterrent effect. He hoped the FEHD would provide the prosecution figures in relation to the existing hygiene blackspots, strengthen monitoring of the performance of cleaning service contractors in cleaning rear lanes, and increase publicity for the installation of IP cameras. He also asked the FEHD whether the number of complaints received in respect of hygiene blackspots would be taken into consideration for the installation of IP cameras.

(i) Mr NGAN Chun-lim supported the installation of IP cameras and hoped he FEHD would step up prosecution efforts to effectively combat the problem of illegal waste disposal.

(j) Mr Andrew CHIU said that according to his observations of the situation in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, the warning signs of some IP cameras had affected the operations of some merchants, so he suggested the FEHD consult the district councillors of the area on the number of warning signs.

20. Mr WONG Wai-leung of the FEHD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) During June to September, 5, 9 and 7 prosecutions were made respectively in respect of the locations of the three IP cameras, namely Kam Ping Street, North View Street and Kam Wa Street. The situation had improved and the prosecution figures had dropped after the installation of the IP cameras.

(b) The main function of the IP cameras was to collect intelligence (such as the time of the illegal action) so that law enforcement work could be carried out in a targeted manner. The FEHD would formulate different enforcement strategies, including using the vehicle registration mark to search for the registered vehicle owner who had

22 Action illegally disposed of waste for follow-up actions, dispatching law enforcement officers to monitor blackspots in real time to prosecute offenders on the spot, and using the information collected from the video footages to identify the time and pattern of violations to plan more effective enforcement actions.

(c) Since there was a six-month time limit for prosecution after the commission of the offence, the video footages concerned would be deleted if no prosecution action was taken against the offenders within six months. If other government departments needed to make reference to the video footages for law enforcement purposes, they could submit a request to the FEHD, the FEHD would follow up on their requests in accordance with the relevant law.

(d) The existing three sets of IP cameras would be retained and the FEHD would continue to monitor the violations and plan effective enforcement action. The recording function of all IP cameras would be activated to facilitate prosecution.

(e) The FEHD would conduct regular inspections to monitor whether there were any other new hygiene blackspots outside the shooting range of the camera, and would take enforcement actions accordingly.

FEHD 21. The Chairperson concluded that Members generally supported the FEHD’s installation of IP cameras to further improve the problem of illegal waste disposal at various locations in the district. In addition, Members also hoped that the FEHD would endeavour to protect the privacy of the public and step up supervision and prosecution efforts. After discussion, Members agreed to the arrangements suggested by the FEHD and agreed to include the issue in matters arising.

(Post meeting note: The HKPF had requested video footages from the FEHD on 18 occasions for crime investigation, of which three requests were made for video footages in Eastern District for crime investigation. The arrangements concerned were carried out strictly in accordance with the exemptions under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. In addition, the PCPD had also requested information on the installation of IP cameras from the FEHD.)

23 Action VII. Requesting the Government to Install Lifts at the Entrances of Yue Wan Market in Chai Wan (FEHC Paper No. 32/18)

22. As the agenda item and the follow-up item (14) both involved street management, the Chairperson suggested that the two items be discussed together. The FEHC agreed with the relevant suggestion.

23. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Gabriel TSANG, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Eastern) and Miss May LEUNG, Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)2 of the FEHD to the meeting. Mr CHUI Chi-kin introduced Paper No. 32/18.

24. The views and enquiries of 5 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr KU Kwai-yiu said that the existing lift at Yue Wan Market in Chai Wan was in a hidden location and the access to the lift was winding and slippery, which made it inconvenient for the elderly and people with disabilities to use. In addition, as the public had to take the stairs outside the market to access the cooked food centre outside the opening hours of the market, the business of the restaurants might be affected. He hoped the FEHD would make good use of the location of the market and provide additional lifts for the benefit of those in need. He suggested Members conduct an on-site inspection to understand the current situation.

(b) Mr LEE Chun-keung said that the Yue Wan Market was popular among the residents of Chai Wan, but the overall design could be improved. For example, the entrance of the warehouse on the 3rd floor was often obstructed by miscellaneous objects. In addition to providing additional lifts, he hoped the FEHD would also inspect the facilities of the market and improve the environment of the market, and believed that the FEHD could conduct an on-site inspection with Members.

(c) Mr Joseph LAI said that many elderly people were accustomed to eating out at the cooked food centre, but the existing lift was inconvenient to use. He hoped the FEHD would understand the needs of the elderly and provide assistance to maintain the turnover of

24 Action the cooked food centre as well as make good use of the space to provide additional lifts at the proposed location. He would continue to follow up on the issue at the relevant Market Management Consultative Committee and hoped the FEHD would implement the project as soon as possible.

(d) Mr Andrew CHIU supported the proposal to build additional lifts and indicated that as Yue Wan Market was much patronised by the elderly and grassroots of the area, he hoped the FEHD would understand the great demand for lifts from people with difficulties in mobility and allocate resources for the provision of lifts as soon as possible in response to Members’ demand.

(e) Mr CHUI Chi-kin was pleased to see that the FEHD had taken an open attitude towards the proposed project and hoped the FEHD would give an account of the schedule of the works at the next meeting.

25. Miss May LEUNG of the FEHD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The FEHD would follow up with the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) with respect to the proposal to provide additional lifts. According to preliminary information, there were underground facilities at the proposed location for the lift installation and the fire escapes might be obstructed. As such, further studies on the feasibility of the works would be necessary. The FEHD hoped the ArchSD would attend the next meeting to provide the details.

(b) With regard to the overall management of Yue Wan Market, the FEHD was willing to conduct an on-site inspection with Members to understand the views of Members, so as to help improve the operating environment of the market.

26. The Chairperson concluded that Members could conduct an on-site inspection at a later stage. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to include this item in matters arising.

(Post-meeting note: The FEHC conducted an on-site inspection at Yue Wan

25 Action Market on 19 November 2018.)

VIII. Request for Enhancement of the Overall Handling Capacity of Solid Waste (FEHC Paper No. 33/18)

27. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Edmond YUEN, Senior Environmental Protection Officer(Waste Transfer and Development)1 of the EPD and Mr Gabriel TSANG, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Eastern) and Mr WONG Wai-leung, Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)1 of the FEHD to the meeting. Mr CHIU Chi-keung introduced Paper No. 33/18. Mr Edmond YUEN of the EPD responded.

28. The views and enquiries of 15 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr Stanley HO recognised the efforts of various departments, including the FEHD and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), for quickly clearing away the rubbish and withered branches after the typhoon. He asked when would the EPD complete the study on upgrading the facilities at the Island East Transfer Station, and hoped the EPD would learn from the experience and review the typhoon precautionary measures and flood prevention measures of the transfer station, and remove broken branches on roadside and hanging twigs as soon as possible to avoid fire hazards and avoid affecting road and pedestrian safety. He also wished to know the time the EPD needed to complete the study on ways to effectively improve the waste treatment capacity of the transfer station.

(b) Mr CHIU Chi-keung also recognised the efforts of the departments concerned. He then pointed out that the current efficiency in handling waste and fallen branches was unsatisfactory and hoped the EPD would introduce wood shredders and other new instruments to enhance the efficiency of waste treatment and save space for waste storage.

(c) Mr CHENG Tat-hung hoped the EPD would set up a comprehensive

26 Action mechanism and introduce new instruments to handle the broken branches and withered leaves. He also suggested the EPD open up the temporary wood waste collection area in Kai Tak Development Area on a long-term basis for daily treatment of withered branches, and allow art creators to collect useable wood materials to produce artworks.

(d) Mr Andrew CHIU hoped the EPD would step up the handling of trees, twigs and broken branches, and opined that the works arrangement of frontline staff lacked flexibility. He suggested the EPD enhance communication with civil organisations and encourage the organisations to reuse trees, twigs and broken branches to prevent waste accumulation. In addition, as the Island East Transfer Station was next to the waterfront, it was vulnerable to wave impacts, therefore, he hoped the EPD would learn from this experience and install waterproof maintenance measures at the transfer station. He also hoped the policy bureaux concerned would send staff to attend the meeting.

(e) Mr LEE Chun-keung thanked the departments concerned for their hard work. He pointed out that many large trees had collapsed after the passage of the typhoon and many broken branches were hanging on the trees, which could be easily blown down by the wind and might affect road and pedestrian safety. He asked the EPD how it would deal with such broken branches and withered leaves. He also suggested the EPD reserve other temporary sites for the collection of wood waste as a contingency measure.

(f) Mr Dominic WONG recognised the hard work of the departments concerned. He said that the typhoon was highly destructive and the damage caused was extensive. Therefore, he supported the EPD’s initiative to step up its waste treatment capacity. He also suggested the EPD introduce instruments to improve the efficiency of waste collection and ensure the safety of frontline staff.

(g) Mr CHUI Chi-kin thanked the departments concerned for their hard work and hoped that the departments concerned would clear away the fallen trees on roadsides as soon as possible.

27 Action (h) Mr YEUNG Sze-chun praised the departments concerned for promptly handling the branches and fallen leaves on roadside. He also asked the FEHD and the LCSD about the division of labour for the removal of withered trees.

(i) Mr Joseph LAI said that the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) had arranged staff to clean up the roads in Kornhill area and commended the MTRCL for being responsive to passengers’ needs and facilitating public access to the MTR station. However, there were piles of tree trunks and twigs on Wan Tsui Road, Chai Wan, which blocked the roads leading to the MTR station. He found it disappointing that the departments concerned had not taken the initiative to handle the situation. He hoped the departments concerned would remind frontline staff to avoid dumping tree waste on main roads.

(j) Mr WONG Kin-pan thanked the departments concerned for their hard work. He said that many broken tree trunks were occupying the roads near Taikoo Place and Hoi Tai Street and asked which department was responsible for clearing the tree trunks. He also suggested the EPD allocate additional resources to improve various supporting facilities for waste collection and formulate special contingency plans to strengthen the ability to respond to typhoon threats.

(k) Mr MAK Tak-ching was happy to see that various departments had worked hard to remove the broken tree branches and other waste, and particularly appreciated that the FEHD had provided its assistance within its ambit to remove debris outside its scope of duties. He understood that some members of staff might need to work overtime due to insufficient manpower, hence he hoped the departments concerned would pay attention to various labour protection issues. He also pointed out that some people were keen on collecting tree trunks as home decorations and suggested the departments concerned keep some tree trunks for commemorative purposes.

(l) Mr Patrick LEUNG was particularly grateful to the FEHD for helping to remove the debris that obstructed emergency passage. He also said that large tree trunks and withered branches increased the workload of

28 Action frontline staff and asked the departments concerned to pay attention to the occupational safety and health of staff. He also suggested the EPD make good use of the tree trunks and other wood materials, and hoped that the departments concerned would carefully handle the wood waste for environmental protection purposes and avoid causing wastage by sending it to landfill.

(m) Ms Bonnie LEUNG thanked the departments concerned for working hard to remove the debris left after the typhoon. She was aware that a branch office of the EPD would dispose of broken branches and fallen leaves on the hillside as environmentally friendly fertilisers, and asked if the office in Eastern District would adopt the same measure.

(n) The Vice-Chairperson thanked the departments concerned for their hard work and especially thanked the District Officer (Eastern) for coordinating volunteer groups to clear away the debris. He was worried that the withered trees and debris might cause a fire due to the dry weather and hoped the departments concerned would prioritise locations close to residential areas to protect the safety of the public.

(o) The Chairperson also thanked the District Officer (Eastern) and FEHD staff for their efforts to protect the safety of the public. She hoped the departments concerned would find ways to improve their capabilities in response to typhoons.

29. Mr Edmond YUEN of the EPD and Mr Gabriel TSANG of the FEHD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

EPD

(a) In order to cope with possible scenarios caused by the passage of typhoons in the future, the EPD would study upgrades to the facilities of Island East Transfer Station, installation of waterproof protection devices, flexible deployment of more equipment (such as containers and transport vehicles for the loading of wastes), increase in manpower, extension in opening hours, and enhancement in the efficiency in the transhipment between landfill areas and the transfer station, to increase the overall waste treatment capacity of the transfer station. The Island East Transfer Station had returned to normal operation within one to two weeks after the typhoon.

29 Action

(b) In the long run, the EPD was preparing to engage a consultant company to study ways to effectively improve the waste treatment capacity of transfer stations.

(c) The transfer stations were designed to process municipal solid waste and were not suitable for handling a large number of fallen trees and broken branches as a large quantity of tree waste would damage the refuse compactor in the station. Therefore, the EPD was currently considering purchasing a large wood shredder and placing it in a suitable place to gather large tree branches and shred them into wood chips to be used as organic raw materials.

(d) To help speed up the clearance of tree waste by various sectors of the community, the Government had set up a temporary wood waste collection area in the Kai Tak Development Area (collection area). The EPD welcomed members of the public to select suitable pieces of wood in the collection area for recycling into useful items. The EPD would also select a small amount of wood suitable for recycling or treatment to be delivered to the first phase of the Organic Resources Recovery Centre and animal waste composting plants.

FEHD

(e) The Eastern District Environmental Hygiene Office of the FEHD had immediately allocated resources and engaged contractors to provide additional large grab-mounted lorries to speed up the removal of large waste, tree logs and branches from the streets. In addition, street washing vehicles were also deployed to clean the road surfaces affected by sludge and refuse collection vehicles were flexibly deployed to enhance the refuse collection service. The Eastern District Environmental Hygiene Office also maintained close contact with the departments concerned to provide assistance in the removal of trees and branches blown down by the typhoon to restore the hygiene and cleanliness of the streets.

(f) The FEHD would follow up with Members on the piling up of large trees at individual locations after the meeting.

EPD, FEHD 30. The Chairperson concluded by asking the departments concerned to note the views of Members and hoped that the departments concerned would review the

30 Action operational arrangements of the transfer stations and enhance the waste treatment capability to deal with unexpected events. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to include this item in matters arising.

IX. Requesting the Environmental Protection Department to Operate Trial Service of the Pilot Scheme on Free-of-charge Collection and Recycling of Waste Plastics in Eastern District and Requesting the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to Establish Additional Collection Points of Waste Plastics in Eastern District (FEHC Paper No. 34/18)

31. This agenda item is discussed together with item IV.

X. Requesting the Government to Regulate the Use of Microplastics and Disposable Plastic Products (FEHC Paper No. 35/18)

32. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Charles CHEUNG, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Food Waste Recycling)3 and Dr Ron YANG, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Water Policy and Science) of the EPD to the meeting. Mr CHUI Chi-kin introduced Paper No. 35/18

33. The views and enquiries of 8 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Ms Bonnie LEUNG said that many studies had pointed out that microplastics might cause indirect harm to the human body. However, as consumers, the general public could only avoid buying the products concerned and could not prevent manufacturers from continuing to use microplastics. She hoped the EPD would consider amending the law to regulate the use of microplastics and asked the EPD to report the results of the consultancy study report on microplastics to the District Council as soon as possible after it was completed.

(b) Mr CHUI Chi-kin was concerned about the problem of marine pollution caused by plastic waste and suggested the EPD introduce measures to encourage merchants to reduce the use of disposable

31 Action plastic tableware and polyfoam products. He also hoped that the EPD would step up support for local recycling industry and strengthen the regulation of microplastic content in microplastic products to avoid affecting the health of the general public.

(c) Mr SHIU Ka-fai supported the concept of environmental protection, but he believed that due to the low cost of plastic products and with the change of the time, plastic products brought convenience to a fast-paced city and could not be completely banned.

(d) Mr Joseph LAI hoped that the EPD would strengthen its support for the recycling industry and promote the development of the recycling industry in Hong Kong. He also suggested the EPD implement a producer responsibility system and impose charges on commercial organisations for using plastic products, or stipulate that commercial organisations should be responsible for recycling. He also hoped that members of the public would change their living habits and reduce the use of plastic products.

(e) Mr KU Kwai-yiu hoped that the EPD would strengthen the regulation of the use of microplastics to reduce harm to the human body. He was pleased to see that some members of the public had begun to bring their own tableware, and that some restaurants had stopped distributing straws. He hoped that this would help to reduce their dependence on plastic products. He hoped that commercial organisations would enhance their environmental awareness and avoiding taking economic benefits as their primary consideration.

(f) Mr CHENG Tat-hung supported the EPD for conducting the consultancy study on microplastics and hoped that the EPD would formulate a regulatory scheme in line with international standards. He also suggested the EPD step up publicity and education efforts and consider introducing incentive schemes or other supporting facilities to encourage producers and consumers to share the cost of recycling plastic products, so as to maintain sustainable social development.

(g) Mr Patrick LEUNG hoped that the EPD would vigorously promote environmental protection, step up education efforts, and encourage commercial organisations to reduce the use of disposable plastic

32 Action tableware and related products, so as to reduce marine waste pollution.

(h) Mr HUNG Lin-cham hoped that the EPD would step up education and publicity efforts to encourage consumers to change their behavioural patterns, so as to attract commercial organisations to cooperate accordingly to increase the effectiveness of environmental protection.

34. Mr Charles CHEUNG and Dr Ron YANG of the EPD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The EPD had launched the “Plastic Free Beach, Tableware First” campaign at all beaches of Hong Kong this summer, and would continue to take the lead in adopting a green procurement policy in the coming year, which included avoiding the use of disposable tableware.

(b) The EPD would conduct a consultancy study in the 2018-19 financial year to consider possible control measures for disposable plastic tableware in Hong Kong in the long run, including studying the scope and methods of the regulations or prohibitions. The said study was expected to be completed in 2020.

(c) The EPD was closely monitoring the international and local development in environmental monitoring methods for microplastics. It would actively participate in discussions on the standardisation of microplastics monitoring methodologies at symposiums organised by international and regional organisations with a view to taking follow-up actions on the environmental monitoring of microplastics at a suitable juncture.

(d) The EPD had already engaged a consultant company in April this year to conduct a one-year study on microplastics. The scope of the study included explorations on the potential impact of microplastics on the , the specific details and the implementation of methods taken in the international arena to control personal care and cosmetic products containing microbeads, and the collection of the views of local stakeholders on the regulation of products that contain microbeads. Currently, the consultancy study was proceeding as planned, and the findings and recommendations would help the

33 Action Government to formulate a regulatory scheme that applied to Hong Kong.

Participants 35. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to include this item in matters arising.

XI. Progress Report of Matters Arising from Previous Meetings of FEHC (FEHC Paper No. 36/18)

36. The Chairperson welcomed Mr Gabriel TSANG, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Eastern) and Mr WONG Wai-leung, Chief Health Inspector (Eastern)1 of the FEHD, Miss Clara CHEUNG, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional South)2 and Mr Mac NG, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Reduction and Recycling)1 of the EPD, Mr KWOK Wing-chuen, Assistant Police Community Relations Officer (Eastern District) of the HKPF, Mr Simon TSANG, Principal Estate Officer / Hong Kong East(2), District Lands Office (Hong Kong East) (DLO) and Ms Amy FAN, Deputy District Leisure Manager (Eastern)2 of the LCSD to the meeting.

(i) Installation of IP Cameras at Refuse Deposit Blackspots in Eastern District Request to Settle the Problem of Refuse Deposits at North View Street

37. This agenda item was discussed together with item VI.

(ii) Request to Seriously Address the Issue of Illegal Parking of Large Refuse Collection Vehicles and Skips at Shing Tai Road and Chong Fu Road

38. Mr Stanley HO said that as the problem had not been thoroughly addressed, he hoped the departments concerned would step up enforcement.

39. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to continue following up on this agenda item.

(iii) Request to Follow up Street Obstruction Caused by “Bicycle Sharing”

40. The FEHC noted the consolidated reply from the Transport and Housing Bureau and the TD.

34 Action

41. The views and enquiries of 4 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr Stanley HO said that he had contacted the TD on a number of occasions to request the TD to properly handle the problem of illegal parking of shared bicycles. However, despite repeated complaints, many shared bicycles of bicycle sharing businesses that had already ceased operations were still parked in Heng Fa Chuen illegally. As such, he hoped the departments concerned would proactively follow up on the issue.

(b) Mr KU Kwai-yiu said that there were several shared bicycles that were suspected to be abandoned in the vicinity of Wing Tai Road, but the TD had failed to handle them appropriately. He hoped the departments concerned would remove the illegally parked bicycles as soon as possible to avoid obstructing the street.

(c) Mr CHUI Chi-kin asked whether the “Code of Practice for Automated Dockless Bicycle Rental Services” requested bicycle operators to recall all the automated dockless bicycles placed in Eastern District.

(d) The Vice-Chairperson said that there were still some shared bicycles available for rent in the vicinity of Healthy Village and Hoi Yu Street. He hoped the departments concerned would pay close attention and follow up on the issue.

42. Mr Gabriel TSANG of the FEHD, Mr KWOK Wing-chuen of the HKPF and Mr Simon TSANG of the DLO responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

FEHD

(a) The FEHD would facilitate the removal and disposal of bicycles and other waste that were abandoned on the streets.

HKPF

(b) If the problem of illegal bicycle parking caused a serious road obstruction, the HKPF would intervene and provide assistance.

35 Action

DLO

(c) The DLO would actively participate in joint operations with other departments to remove illegally parked shared bicycles.

43. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to continue following up on this agenda item.

(iv) Pest and Rodent Infestation in Chai Wan Area

44. The views and enquiries of 6 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr LEE Chun-keung thanked the FEHD for focusing on handling the problem of rodent infestation in Chai Wan area to improve the situation. He also asked the FEHD to step up efforts to clean up waste and sewage after the typhoon and to continue using the constantly effective methods to solve the rodent infestation problem, so as to maintain environmental hygiene.

(b) Mr KU Kwai-yiu thanked the FEHD for its efforts to address the rodent infestation problem, and said that the situation had improved. However, he said that it would be difficult to thoroughly eliminate the rodent infestation problem and encouraged the FEHD to continue its efforts.

(c) Mr CHUI Chi-kin said that the rodent infestation problem had been improved but rodents were still spotted at some hygiene blackspots at night, so he hoped the FEHD would step up cleaning efforts to prevent the rodent infestation problem from worsening.

(d) The Chairperson said that the rodent infestation problem at Greenwood Terrace and Lee Chung Street was severe and hoped the FEHD would step up rodent control measures at the Lok Hong consituency. She also suggested the FEHD pursue with the for making Eastern District a pilot area to explore the use of new technologies to strengthen rodent control measures.

(e) Mr Stanley HO said that complaints about rodent infestation in Heng

36 Action Fa Chuen had increased. He hoped the FEHD would step up the handling of potted trees that had fallen after the typhoon, so as to prevent them from becoming a hiding place for rodents.

(f) Mr David LEUNG said that the rodent infestation problem was particularly severe at the King Yee constituency as there were many restaurants and planters nearby. He hoped the FEHD would study new rodent control technologies to increase the effectiveness of rodent control work.

45. Mr Gabriel TSANG of the FEHD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The FEHD would step up the handling of waste, sewage and fallen trees that had accumulated after the typhoon to avoid causing rodent infestation.

(b) The FEHD would follow up on the rodent infestation problem at individual areas with Members.

(c) The FEHD would relay the views of Members to the headquarters and strive for more resources to step up rodent control work in Eastern District with new technologies.

46. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to continue following up on this agenda item.

(v) Request the Government to Take the Lead in Revisiting a Viable Recycling Strategy for Departments

47. Mr CHENG Tat-hung said that non-recyclable glossy paper was still used for some of the Government’s publicity documents, and not all government correspondence was distributed by electronic means, therefore, he hoped the EPD would follow up on this issue.

48. Mr Mac NG of the EPD responded that the EPD would follow up on the views of Members, maintain contacts with the sectors and set up guidelines when necessary to encourage the use of recyclable materials in producing publicity materials. The EPD would also distribute documents by electronic means whenever possible.

37 Action

49. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to follow up on this item with Paper No. 34/18.

(vi) Request to Resolve the Problems Resulting from Mosquito Infestation in Open Spaces within the Purview of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department

50. The views and enquiries of 4 Members about the issue are summarised as follows:

(a) Mr LEE Chun-keung was worried that the large number of fallen trees after the typhoon would cause mosquito infestation. In addition, he had previously suggested the LCSD put up notices at open spaces to encourage the public to take appropriate anti-mosquito measures, and hoped that the LCSD would follow-up on this issue.

(b) Mr KU Kwai-yiu was pleased to see the LCSD provide insect killers at Chai Wan Park to effectively control the mosquito infestation and hoped that the LCSD would continue to maintain the facilities concerned.

(c) Mr CHIU Chi-keung suggested that in addition to providing mosquito killers, the LCSD could also follow the practice used at Lion Rock Park and provide mosquito repellants at open spaces for public use.

(d) The Chairperson also hoped that the LCSD would step up the removal of fallen trees after the typhoon.

51. Ms Amy FAN of the LCSD responded that the LCSD had endeavoured to remove the large trees that blocked passages after the typhoon, and would continue to remove the leftover withered branches and fallen leaves as soon as possible. As the weather was rainy recently, the LCSD had stepped up anti-mosquito work at open spaces and would put up notices to remind the public to take appropriate anti-mosquito measures. If Members hoped that insect killers could be provided at open spaces, they could contact the LCSD for follow-up actions. The LCSD would also study the proposal to provide mosquito repellents. In addition, the LCSD would organise a tree planting day shortly and would plant mosquito repelling plants on the day of the event to test the effectiveness of

38 Action mosquito control. The LCSD would also distribute plants, including mosquito repelling plants, to the public to promote greening.

52. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to continue following up on this agenda item.

(vii) Request to Improve the Noise Problem Arising from the Arrivals of Trains at and Their Departures from Heng Fa Chuen MTR Station Requesting the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited to Retrofit a Noise Shelter for the Section between Heng Fa Chuen Station and Chai Wan Station to Reduce Noise Pollution

53. This agenda item was to be followed up in alternate meetings and would be followed up in the next meeting.

(viii) Urging the Government to Install Permanent Toilets at Leaping Dragon Walk

54. This agenda item was to be followed up in alternate meetings and would be followed up in the next meeting.

(ix) Request to Address the Problem of Feral Pigeon Congregation at Tai Man Street in Chai Wan

55. This agenda item was to be followed up in alternate meetings and would be followed up in the next meeting.

(x) Proposal on Increasing the Number of Designated Spots Allocated to Each Elected Eastern District Councillor for Displaying Banners under the “Management Scheme for the Display of Roadside Non-commercial Publicity Materials”

56. This agenda item would be followed up upon further progress.

(xi) Comprehensive Review of Environmental Protection Equipment in Temples in the District

57. This agenda item would be followed up upon further progress.

(xii) Requesting the Government to Comprehensively Enhance the Service

39 Action Functions of the Joint Office and Step Up Its Support to the Public in Handling Cases of Water Seepage in Buildings

58. This agenda item would be followed up upon further progress.

(xiii) Following-up the 2016 Policy Address: Implementation of the District-led Actions Scheme in Eastern District

59. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to cease following up on this agenda item.

(xiv) Urging to Improve Facilities, Attract People Flow and Install Air conditioners in Markets in Eastern District / Discussion on Earmarking of $2 Billion in the Budget for Launching the Market Modernisation Programme

60. The agenda item was discussed together with item VII.

(xv) Concern about the Pollution in Typhoon Shelters

61. This agenda item would be followed up upon further progress. After discussion, the FEHC agreed to cease following up on this agenda item.

(xvi) Requesting the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to Introduce New Equipment for Enhanced Street Cleansing Effectiveness as soon as possible

62. This agenda item would be followed up upon further progress.

XII. Date of the Next Meeting

63. The meeting ended at 7:30 pm. The 7th meeting of the FEHC would be announced later.

(Post-meeting note: The 7th meeting of the FEHC would be held at 2:30 pm on 15 January 2019 (Tuesday).)

40 Action

Eastern District Council Secretariat January 2019

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