Environment ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG Bureau 1986-2011

Greener Future or a rt f ffo E ed in ta s u S f o

s r a e

Y

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2 Vision & Mission Our Mission Is to contribute towards realising this vision by Environment Environmental ­applying our ­professional knowledge and ­judgment Bureau Protection and drawing on ­international experience Department • to formulate policies and plans on ­environmental ­protection, energy, conservation and the ­promotion of sustainable development; Our Vision • to provide first-class physical infrastructure for the ­treatment and disposal of waste and ­wastewater; Is of a Hong Kong • to raise community awareness of and ­promote • which enjoys an environment that is both healthy and pleasant; public ­support for issues related to ­environmental • in which the community places a premium on sustaining such an environment protection, energy, conservation and for both themselves and future generations, and pursues sustainable development; sustainable development; and • to promote collaborative efforts through ­regional • in which the community enjoys a reliable and safe energy supply at reasonable and ­international co-operation; prices, while improving energy efficiency, promoting energy conservation and • to implement environmental protection and minimising the environmental impacts from the production and use of energy. ­energy related­ legislation and plans; and • to administer robust environmental impact ­assessment in the planning of new ­developments and major projects. Foreword

ong Kong has made remarkable progress in ­modern living and our thirst for electricity and energy Pollution respects no boundaries. In addition to In bringing people and resources together, we expect H­improving its environment over these past to support our high-technology, high-consumption controlling local pollution, the Government is that people from every walk of life will be involved in 25 years, as this report will explain. On many lifestyles. The Government is working to improve ­approaching Hong Kong’s future environmental advancing our environmental agenda. Changes to our ­measures, we live in a healthier and more pleasant energy efficiency, particularly in buildings, which sustainability in the context of our regional and behaviour and lifestyles are inevitable if we wish to city. However, there is also no doubt that more work consume 90 per cent of our electricity. But it is not ­international responsibilities. Hong Kong is closely enjoy a healthy, sustainable environment. We must all needs to be done. In the battle for a sustainable only the fabric of the buildings that needs to change. integrated, ­economically and environmentally, with act to make more efficient use of energy in our daily ­environment, we can only achieve progress with the The users – the people living, working, shopping and the Pearl ­River Delta (PRD) region, so we have been living and reduce our waste and other environmental concerted efforts of the community as a whole. studying in our buildings – must also be willing and ­working closely with the Guangdong authorities impacts. The effort will be rewarded by helping to prepared to be more mindful of the everyday ways in to improve the regional environment. To further make Hong Kong a greener and better place to live The Government has introduced a wide range of which they contribute to climate change. ­enhance ­co-operation, we are jointly mapping out a and work in. measures over the years to clean up our waters, strategy with Guangdong and Macao to transform ­manage our waste in an environmentally ­acceptable The impacts of individual action are even clearer the PRD region into a green and quality living area. way, minimise noise, improve air quality, make when it comes to waste management. Although ­Internationally, we have made it a central aim of this more efficient use of energy, protect the ­natural we have achieved a current municipal solid waste administration to support global efforts to combat ­environment and prevent new environmental ­recovery rate of 52 per cent, each Hong Kong person climate change. ­problems from arising. Increasingly, though, it is clear still throws away about six kilogrammes of waste from that future achievements will depend not only on their homes every week. This is putting ­enormous government initiatives, but also on deeper lifestyle strain on our landfills, and is a major challenge in a and behavioural changes place like Hong Kong that has limited land space. Mr Edward Yau ­within the community. We must all do more to reduce our waste, including Secretary for the Environment ­separating and recycling waste, purchasing products Two o f o u r g r e a te s t that produce less waste, and supporting measures ­challenges – climate such as modern incineration that can drastically c h a n g e a n d w a s t e ­reduce the volume of waste that requires dumping ­management – can only in landfills. be overcome if ­everyone i n t h e ­c o m m u n i t y I emphasise personal responsibility here because ­p a r t i c i p a t e s . T h e I believe the local community is ready to do more for ­greenhouse gases that its environment. This is quite different from 25 years contribute to ­climate ago, when people often regarded environmental c h a n g e a r e c r e ate d protection as unnecessary and unconnected to their largely as a result of lives. Today, more people than ever are recycling, people are willing to pay higher sewage charges for cleaner water, and more people than ever are ­demanding that the environment be improved. The environment has this on its side. Message from the Permanent Secretary / Director

hange is the law of nature. The past few ­decades ­growing appreciation in the community of the need The success of our goals has been achieved not only The Environmental Protection Department has a Chave seen rapid change in Hong Kong. Our to move Hong Kong along a more sustainable path. through the drive of the Government, but also the much broader ambit of responsibility than in 1986 ­economy has raced ahead, technological advances support of our partners in the community. At times and many more stakeholders to deal with. Our work have brought improved efficiencies and new ­horizons, The aim of the 1989 White Paper was to fix ­problems we have faced resistance and challenges in the is more complex and difficult, but there is also a and people’s lives have improved. All of that change that already existed such as waste management, course of our work, but we have persevered because more positive and hopeful undertone to it. There are has come at a price, though, in terms of increasing ­water quality and sewerage, air quality and noise, we ­realise that Hong Kong has little choice: it must more people in the community who share our vision pressures on our environment. etc., and to introduce the concept of pollution ­improve its environment or pay a very heavy price and are working with us to achieve a greener, more ­prevention through the Environmental Impact in future. Today, people are willing to do more for ­sustainable future for Hong Kong. The Environmental Protection Department was ­Assessment. Progress on a number of our goals was their environment, whether it be recycling, ­bringing formed 25 years ago to balance the ledger between sufficiently advanced by the end of the 1990s that their own shopping bags, paying higher sewage economic growth and environmental protection. we were able to adopt a wider vision that placed charges to achieve cleaner waters, promoting energy It was a particularly hard task because at that time, ­environmental protection in the context of regional efficiency, using low emission vehicles or ­tightening most people were not interested in the problems of and sustainable development. ­standards of fuels. At the same time, they are also pollution. Their focus was on economic ­development more ­demanding of the Government than ever and advancement, and pollution was usually equated "Quality People, Quality Home" was a joint ­vision ­before. We are in fact encouraged by such demand. with litter rather than the serious problems of ­water, agreed by Hong Kong and Guangdong and it Much better to face high expectations than the air and noise pollution and waste management ­acknowledged that we needed to work together to ­apathy of 25 years ago. Ms Anissa Wong that we faced at the time. So the department had a improve our shared environment. That ­commitment Permanent Secretary for the Environment / ­double load: to identify and fix ­problems, and also to was further elaborated in the "Green and Quality Director of Environmental Protection ­convince people that this was worth doing. ­Living Environment" vision unveiled in 2008 that ­foresaw a low-carbon, high technology, greener ­living In order to build an ethos in environment across the Pearl River Delta ­region. the community that favoured This offered a clear statement that our ­economic ­protecting our environment, we ­development and our environment were entwined had to provide people with an – a key concept in sustainable development. The ideal to aim for – a vision. We ­long-term health of our economy and our population ­outlined our vision in the 1989 depends on acting today to protect the long-term White Paper, "Pollution in Hong health of our environment. Kong: A Time to Act", and we have continued to refine our ­vision in To this concept must be added the global vision light of new ­developments and a of a healthy planet. Climate change has become a ­growing concern around the world and Hong Kong’s priorities and policies increasingly reflect our ­determination to be part of the solution by reducing our carbon ­footprint. Contents

Vision and Mission Chapter 3 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 30 Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 66 A Journey, Not A Destination 84

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth The Air We Breathe 70 Topical Issues Foreword a Pound of Cure 33 Energy Wise 72 The Value of Public Engagement 85 A Haze over the Landscape 36 Waste : Still a Challenge 74 Hopes for a Greener Future 86 Getting the Water Wheels Flowing 8 3 Maintaining Momentum 76 Bringing Home the Message on Waste 2 Message from 4 Our Global Responsibility 80 the Permanent ­Secretary / Director The Persistence of Noise 45 Topical Issues Milestones in Environmental Protection "Environmental Protection Starts With Me!" 46 Promoting Cleaner Production Since 1986 88 Making an Ideal Home 49 Technologies in the PRD Region 68

Chapter 1 Topical Issues Sustainable Buildings 73 Introduction - At the Frontline 32 Nature Conservation 77 Appendix - Forging A Greener Path 8 Greening Government 34 Green Group Contributions 79 Harbour Area Treatment Scheme 41 Consolidating Our Messages 80 Organisation Structures & Missions of Our Programmes and Associated Works 104 Landfills 44 Time Waits for No One 82

Chapter 2 Students Learn and Do 47 A Resource for the Community 48 A Time To Act, 1986-1989 12 Acknowledgements 108 Taking Stock 15

Mapping a Solution to Water Pollution 16 Chapter 4 Turning Down the Volume 22 New Partners, New Perspectives, All Local : 2000-2005 50 Reducing Hong Kong’s Air Pollution 24 The Wealth/Waste Conundrum 26 Partners Against Pollution 53 A Vision for Hong Kong : Sewage Solutions 56 the White Paper on Pollution 28 A Sustainable Waste Management Plan 58 Topical Issues The Problem of Air Pollution 61 An Overnight Success : Seeking a Wider Consensus 64 The Regulation to Control Fuel Sulphur 14 Topical Issues Tolo Harbour Clean-Up 17 Our Industry Partners 54 Rescuing Our Beaches 18 Honouring Green Business Practices 55 Insulating Schools Against Noise 23 Hong Kong Green School Award 60 Smoky Vehicle Spotting 25 th Good Monitoring Means Better Policies 63 The EPD 25 Anniversary Working Group (from left to right): Mr Arthur H M Lee, Mr C K Chen, Ms Vivien W Y Mok, Ms Eva S T Wong, Mr C T Cheng, Dr S T Mak, Mr Alan H L Yim, Mr Lawrence S H Cheung, Mr Elvis W K Au (the Working Group Chairman), Mr Arthur C M Chu, Mr P H Lui, Visual Aids 65 Mr Edward W K Lam, Mr K M Li, Mr Dave T Y Ho, Ms Leshita Y L Chan, Mr Steven K T Lo, Mr Dominic T M Lo, Mr K W Sit. Chapter 1 Introduction - Forging A Greener Path

uality of life is at the heart of sustainable Hong Kong population, GDP and licensed motor vehicles growth trend These changes have defined the nature of our level of public apathy, which equated pollution with Qdevelopment and environmental protection. 1986-2010 environmental problems and thus the work of the litter if it was thought about at all. The EPD’s work at If our environment is healthy, then we, too, can be 500 Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The first was difficult and encountered a lot of opposition, 448 GDP

healthier and obtain greater enjoyment from our 400 department was formed in 1986, when the problems but it made several notable improvements to the 362 surroundings. In a city as striking as Hong Kong, with were all local and the focus was on catching up with environment in these early years that showed people 307 300 its green valleys, rugged peaks, wide beaches and 285 years of past environmental neglect. There was a high its work could benefit the community. deep ocean access, there is much to be enjoyed. 200 licensed motor 116 128 97 107 vehicles 100 78 45 21 24 28 population

Percentage growth over 1986 levels (%) levels 1986 over growth Percentage 16 0 4 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2010 Year

Source of raw data: The Census and Statistics Department and Annual Transport Digests published by the Transport Department.

developed economies like Hong Kong should accept their global responsibilities and invest in reducing their impacts. Society’s hopes for a healthier environment have also risen considerably, putting added pressure on finding solutions. (From left to right) Billowing smoke from chimneys, noisy diesel hammer piling, illegal industrial effluent discharges and waste disposal were ­common environmental problems in Hong Kong in the 1980s. So Kwun Wat, Tuen Mun.

Quality of life has underpinned the Government’s environment efforts over several decades, albeit with shifts in priorities. These shifts have been driven by wider changes in society. GDP has grown over 400% since 1986, the population has grown by 1.5 million people or 28 per cent, and the number of vehicles has more than doubled, all of which have increased pollution loads. Many Hong Kong factories have moved across the boundary, contributing to regional air and water pollution. Growing evidence of climate change has intensified expectations that The impacts of the environmental problems have been mitigated through the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong public and the EPD, such as (from Hong Kong faces similar environmental problems as other densely left to right) imposing stringent limits on chimney emissions; opting for less noisy hydraulic hammer piling; discharging wastewater to the public populated and economically developed metropolitan cities. sewerage system; and implementing a waste disposal plans for proper waste collection and disposal.

8 Chapter 1 - Introduction - Forging A Greener Path Chapter 1 - Introduction - Forging A Greener Path 9 Come the 1990s, the EPD’s focus widened to include prevention and planning. There were still anti-pollution programmes to be put in place, but the camera was pulling back to bring a bigger picture into view. If we acted now, we could prevent future damage to the environment. The idea took hold not only in the Government but also in the wider community, as certain trades, businesses, schools and others began to pay more attention to environmental issues. The opposition of the past was developing into a consensus for a greener future.

Real improvements would depend on that The EIA process for the Lok Ma Chau Spurline railway resulted in the ­consensus being translated into action. The 2000s railway running through tunnels under Long Valley in order to protect the ecological environment of the area. saw ­continued growth and integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region, which ­created further ­pressures on the environment. Hong ­partnerships it formed with key polluting ­industries, Kong and Guangdong have been working in earnest the ­implementation of the polluter pays principle, to ­implement various emission control measures and the introduction of programmes to support to improve the regional environment. The EPD also ­individual action. Every single sector and person ­promoted the notion of collective ­responsibility was being encouraged to act more responsibly to to the Hong Kong community through the ­protect their environment. The EPD has formed partnerships with the construction industry (top left), restaurants (top right), vehicle repair workshops (bottom left) and property management (bottom right) to encourage compliance and good environmental practices.

The result of these efforts are described in the following pages and show that in many respects, our environment is healthier than 25 years ago. It is by no means perfect – air pollution, climate change and waste management remain major concerns – but there has been good progress. The examples of success, such as improving water quality and using environmental assessment to protect ecologically sensitive areas, show that persistence can The Hong Kong Wetland Park resulted from an EIA recommendation in the mid 1990s and provided a indeed pay off. win-win solution for balancing development and the environment to the benefit of the community . Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region share the same air and water.

10 Chapter 1 - Introduction - Forging A Greener Path Chapter 1 - Introduction - Forging A Greener Path 11 Chapter 2 A Time To Act, 1986-1989

ong Kong 1986. A time of opportunity and Hong Kong factories to the world, and the New Construction noise, for instance, became a ­little Beaches were a worry, too. They were being ­polluted Henergy, hard work and money-making. Much like Territories’ farms that provided a growing population more bearable thanks to new controls on pile by nearby developments that had been built today, you might think, but with some fundamental with fresh meat and poultry. Even households were ­driving. ­Builders previously had been allowed to ­without proper sewage treatment or a connection differences. People were just starting to improve their doing damage as their sewage was flushed untreated ­operate pile drivers 12 hours a day, six days a week. to the ­sewerage system, resulting in their untreated material living standards and invest in their children’s into the sea and they became ever more wasteful. No one was ­immune from this noise because so or ­under-treated effluents going straight into the future. There was little interest in looking back or much ­construction was going on in the city – the sea. Livestock waste was also trickling down to the even looking sideways; eyes were focused firmly on The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) ­ear-­shattering throb was heard and felt in homes, ­beaches via rivers and streams. All of this meant tomorrow. The mood was one of eager advancement came into existence at this time sounding a note schools, offices, even in hospitals. One of the EPD’s that a dip in the sea to cool off on a hot summer’s in almost every area except one: the environment. of caution and hope. Pollution loads were placing first ­priorities was to bring this extreme nuisance day put bathers at risk of skin, gastrointestinal and ­untenable strains on the environment, but if we ­under control, which it did through the 1989 Noise other ­diseases. The EPD made beach water pollution Most people were not even aware of the term started to act now – if we cleaned up our house and Control Ordinance (NCO). ­control an urgent priority. Before the decade was out, "environmental protection" and yet many were planned ahead – we could deal with the problem of beaches started to turn the tide towards healthier affected by problems that had arisen from the city’s pollution before it became too expensive and too ­water quality. rapid development. Unbearable noise, dark smoke, difficult to clean up. By the end of the decade, the contaminated water and increasing quantities department had some hard evidence to back up its of waste were coming from the factories and argument as environmental protection measures construction sites that offered steady work, the started to improve people’s quality of life. vehicles and airplanes that transported goods from

A construction site and residential buildings in close proximity, a ­typical view in Hong Kong.

The Castle Peak Bay before (top) and after (bottom) the Wan Chai’s new and emerging skyline in the late 1980s. implementation of beach water pollution control.

12 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 13 People’s health was also affected by air pollution, Given these problems, it’s surprising to know that putting huge additional strains on the environment. for reasons unique to the times. Hong Kong in the few people complained about pollution. Back These developments happened at a rapid pace and 1980s had thousands of factories and many of them then, "pollution" was associated with litter, not the outstripped efforts to plan and build the necessary sat right next to residential blocks. Some of the chemicals and contaminants lurking in the air and infrastructural support. blocks were taller than the nearby factory buildings water, and most people did not think there was much so polluted fumes from chimneys blew straight into they could do about their environment. That attitude people’s homes, leading to respiratory problems would pose a challenge to the EPD. If people did not for vulnerable populations such as children. One properly understand the nature of environmental way to address the problem was to improve the problems, how could they support programmes to quality of the fuel being used. By late 1989, the EPD solve them – or even take actions to reduce their had finalised plans to drastically reduce the level impacts? The release of the White Paper, "Pollution of harmful sulphur dioxide in the air by cutting the in Hong Kong: A Time to Act", in 1989 spelled out sulphur content in industrial fuel. the situation in sharp detail for all to see, and added Dark smoke emissions from chimneys in the 1980s (left) disappeared community awareness to the EPD’s action agenda. when stringent requirements for cleaner fuels and proper chimneys ­designs came into force in the 1990s (right).

Ma On Shan housing development was part of the government’s new An Overnight Success : town development programme in 1980s. The Regulation to Control Fuel Sulphur When the Environmental Protection Department was established in 1986, there was a lot of catching up to Pollution from factory chimneys was a major concern technological fix. The high sulphur content in do. First, though, it had to come to terms with how to in the 1980s and early 1990s. Hong Kong had industrial fuel was leading to high levels of sulphur manage the task ahead. Pollution control previously nearly 50 000 factories and many were located near dioxide (SO2) pollution in the air, which is harmful was handled without much coordination across six residential buildings, schools, hospitals and other to health. On 1 July 1990 a new regulation was different Government bodies; now, they had to be sensitive receivers. Fortunately, this was one problem introduced to limit sulphur content in fuel, and SO2 consolidated under single management. The EPD that could be improved with a straightforward levels plunged overnight. also had to figure out just how polluted Hong Kong The Impact of the Fuel Restriction Regulations was, so it could set priorities and devise solutions to (as measured at the area previously affected by high sulphur dioxide levels) improve­ the environment. The EPD used dramatic scenes in advertisements to draw public attention to the unbearable impacts of pollution problems. Noise, water and air pollution were the most ­obvious and visible problems, but there was also concern about the growing quantities of waste and the lack Taking Stock of a statutory system to assess and mitigate the ­environmental impacts of new projects. The EPD To get an idea of the scale of Hong Kong’s would attack the problems from multiple angles – environmental problems in the 1980s, it’s important legal, technical and strategic – but it also had to put a to understand the scale and nature of the city’s lot of effort into convincing legislators, polluters and economic growth. GDP grew by over 250 per cent the community of the necessity of its work. Progress during the 1980s, driven largely by construction was slow at first, but the seeds were laid by the end and industrial activities that caused the worst kind of the 1980s for a surge of activity and community of pollution. Plus, the population increased by ­engagement that would mushroom over the next over half a million people – roughly 11 per cent – two decades.

14 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 15 Mapping a Solution to many buildings and farms by-passed sewers and Tolo Harbour Clean-up treatment altogether to dump their waste straight Water Pollution Tolo Harbour is strikingly beautiful, cradled by effects of pollution. An innovative scheme to "export" into the water. Until all that was sorted out, water ­mountains that are lined with rivers and streams and treated effluent from the sewage treatment works to Water pollution had become a major problem in Hong quality in general would remain poor. covered in deep green foliage. But by the 1980s, its stagnant Kai Tak nullah also got the green light and Kong. About two million tonnes of polluted water, waters were becoming unfit for human and ­marine became operational in 1998. Tunnels carry the treated mainly human and livestock waste water as well as The EPD needed a "map" of Hong Kong’s sewers so it life, having been contaminated by ­increasing amounts effluent to the nullah and flush it out, helping to some industrial effluents, were being discharged into could see what worked and what needed improving. of untreated sewage and livestock and ­industrial reduce pollution both in the nullah and Tolo Harbour. local waters each day, most of it virtually untreated. The sewerage system had been built in a piecemeal waste. Red tides – natural occurrences that are This led to beach closures, algal blooms and high fashion over decades, so every sewer, storm water made worse by pollution have become increasingly "The EPD has done a E. coli bacteria, particularly in sheltered water bodies pipe and sewage treatment facility was inspected ­common. In 1988 alone, the harbour experienced 43 good job protecting such as typhoon shelters and at or near storm water in person and the sewage flows traced to individual red tides. Tolo Harbour," he outfalls. The Government was aware of the health and buildings. This mammoth undertaking resulted says. Nearly all the environmental problems that this was causing and in Sewerage Master Plans (SMP), which provided Prof Ho Kin-chung understood the situation well. animal waste and in the early 1980s it started diverting polluted flows blueprints of the sewage infrastructure required He joined the Environmental Protection Agency – industrial effluents are away from beaches to protect swimmers. This was for the proper collection, treatment and disposal of EPD’s ­predecessor – in 1981 to oversee water quality controlled, and there mostly a band-aid solution, though. The causes of sewage on a catchment-by-catchment basis. This was ­monitoring in Tolo Harbour and did his PhD on the is a very good sewage water pollution were complicated and extensive: the the first step towards directing polluted discharges With the implementation of the Tolo harbour’s red tides before joining the Open University s y s te m to p reve nt Harbour Action Plan to clean up and sewers were poorly-maintained and uncoordinated, away from rivers, streams and the sea to proper as an academic in 1992. pollutants going into protect the water quality, people can sewage treatment facilities were inadequate, and sewage treatment facilities. enjoy water sports activities such as the harbour. sailing in Tolo Harbour. "Geographically, Tolo Harbour has a long thin ­channel, like a vase’s neck, and the water takes a long "You can pollute a river in one minute, but it takes time to flush out. The increase in population resulted probably 20 years of effort and investment to clean it in more effluents being discharged and retained in up. This is a lesson we have seen around the world," the harbour, and the nitrogenous and phosphorus Prof Ho says. compounds within effluents helped to stimulate the growth of harmful algae," Prof Ho says. Tolo Harbour is now a community resource. Rowers train there for competitions and the harbour’s shores The EPD made it a priority to reverse the deterioration are a popular place for ­walking and ­cycling. Red tides in water quality. It unveiled the Tolo Harbour Action are an ­uncommon occurrence and the breezes carry Plan, which deployed a mix of legislative controls, only the smell of the sea, trees and flowers rather than enforcement and technology to reverse the damaging the dirty effluents of the past.

"You can pollute a river in one minute, but it takes 20 years of effort and investment to clean it up."

- Prof Ho Kin-chung

The SMP programme was commenced in 1987 to provide a blueprint for the ­sewerage infrastructure required to collect sewage on a catchment-basis.

16 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 17 Rescuing Our Beaches

Most people’s encounters with water pollution in the swam. Livestock waste was also being brought Just how much cleaner are the beaches today? In By 2010, 23 beaches were ranked "Good" and all 41 1980s happened at Hong Kong’s beaches. The poor to beachfronts by nearby rivers and streams. The 1986, when the EPD began ranking beaches based on gazetted beaches met the WQOs. A cooling splash in water quality in some of the most popular beaches fastest way to stop these problems was to control the the World Health Organisation’s recommendations, the sea on a hot summer’s day is now a healthy option was putting people at risk of skin, gastrointestinal and discharges from beach hinterlands, beach by beach. only 11 beaches ranked "Good" and 10 failed to for everyone in Hong Kong. respiratory illnesses. That unhealthy situation made meet Hong Kong’s Water Quality Objectives (WQOs). beach water clean-up one of the EPD’s top priorities. Hong Kong has 41 gazetted beaches so it was a tall task. Officers from the EPD and later the ­Drainage The source of the problem was untreated sewage. Services Department went from building to ­building New developments were being built around beaches diverting drains away from the waterfront and that were not hooked up to the sewer system nor ­ensuring that developments near beaches either had proper sewage treatment plants. In some places, ­connected to the sewerage system or had proper drains from these settlements crossed beaches and sewage treatment plants. This took years of effort, carried untreated sewage to the sea where people but early ­improvements were seen in the example of Hong Kong’s most popular beach, Repulse Bay. A steady ­decline in its water quality was halted in 1988 and within a few years, it had gone from being one of the dirtiest to one of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong.

Similar improvements would start to be seen in many of Hong Kong’s other beaches, although it would take EPD staff regularly monitor water quality at beaches to determine their ranking. deeper changes to make water quality ­acceptable at all 41 bathing beaches. Livestock waste ­controls, Annual beach rankings 1986 to 2010 ­Sewerage Master Plans and the Harbour Area 41 100 ­Treatment Scheme would all contribute to cleaner 41 90 41 41 40 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 beach water over the years. 41 40 40 41 80 39 40 40 40 41 23 70 40 40 41 14 23 60 9 13 41 5 16 22 21 7 17 16 21 23 23 22 13 10 23 25 25 24 50 15 13 40 14 30 20 21 19 18 19 20 16 18 14 14 14 14 16 14 15 12 13 13 11 11 12 10 10 10 9 9 10 0 2 1 1 3 5 5 5 5 10 7 7 7 7 7 8 6 6 6 6 7 7 9 10 10 6 2 11 13 12 2 2 2 Percentage of WQO-Compliant Beaches of Percentage 20 3 2 2 3 1 7 30 5 3 2 4 3 4 40 50 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 Year

Legend: Rank: 5 Good 5 Fair 5 Poor 5 Very Poor 5 Total number of gazetted beaches Number of beaches in each rank Overflow from a septic tank and soakaway system (top); a worker lays Repulse Bay is Hong Kong’s most popular beach. Notes: Two beaches degazetted in 1995 were excluded from the calculation . pipes for village sewers (bottom).

18 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 19 The sewage treatment facilities themselves also With plans in hand for sewers and sewage ­treatment, Pollution from livestock waste took a little more a ­proposed ­amendment to the Waste Disposal ­needed upgrading to meet modern standards. that left one final step: stopping people from time and determination to bring under control. By ­Ordinance and newly introduced Waste Disposal ­Victoria Harbour was a major concern because it ­dumping untreated industrial, human and livestock the ­mid-1980s, 6.7 million chickens and 560 000 (Livestock Waste) Regulations. Legislators endorsed ­received the large majority of Hong Kong’s ­sewage waste into local waters. Legal powers already existed pigs were being reared in Hong Kong and their these changes and a 10-year livestock waste ­control discharges. In 1989 the EPD concluded the ­Sewage to control industrial and human waste discharges ­organic waste was contaminating rivers and streams scheme was put into place starting in 1988. The Strategy Study in which a comprehensive plan to under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance, which that ­emptied into beaches and other coastal areas. ­programme ­subsequently had a bumpy path – treat all of the sewage from around the harbour was was enacted in 1980 and allowed for controls to be The most ­feasible solution was to get farmers in there were strong ­objections from farmers initially­ ­formulated. The strategy would become a ­subject implemented in phases across Hong Kong. The EPD the New ­Territories to treat the waste, and to ban which ­prevented its full ­implementation, and it was of intense debate over the years and ­undergo later tightened water pollution control by ­removing ­livestock keeping altogether in urban areas and ­revised in 1994 after ­extensive consultations with ­re-configurations, but its basic outline of ­conveying exemptions from the ordinance for a number of new towns. The Government offered both a ­carrot the ­livestock-keeping trade – but ­ultimately control sewage through deep tunnels to centralised ­polluting industries (which were allowed to increase and stick: ­farmers could receive grants to either ­measures were ­implemented. The result has been a ­treatment and disposal would remain. Today, the their pollution by 30 per cent under the original ­install ­treatment ­systems or go out of business, but gradual improvement of ­water quality in a number of ­improvement to Victoria Harbour’s water quality is ­ordinance!). Strong opposition from operators had those who ­continued to operate and failed to treat rivers, streams and beaches. one of the key successes of the EPD’s first 25 years, as to be overcome, but the dangers to the environment their ­livestock waste would face penalties ­under you will read in further chapters. were too great to ignore. Within the next decade, all of Hong Kong’s waters were declared Water Control Zones, giving legal standing to the EPD’s efforts to control illegal discharges.

1 Tolo Harbour WCZ - declared in 1987

2 Southern WCZ - declared in 1988

3 and 4 Port Shelter and Junk Bay WCZs - declared in 1989

5 and 6 Deep Bay and Mirs Bay WCZs - declared in 1990

7 North Western WCZ - declared in 1992

8 and 9 Western and Eastern Buffer WCZs - declared in 1993

10.1 Victoria Harbour (Phase 1) WCZs - declared in 1994

10.2 Victoria Harbour (Phase 2) WCZs - declared in 1995

10.3 Victoria Harbour (Phase 3) WCZs - declared in 1996

Hong Kong waters are divided into 10 Water Control Zones under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. A stream near Ma Tso Lung before (left) and after (right) the livestock waste control scheme was implemented in 1988.

20 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 21 Turning Down the Traffic noise would be far more problematic because Volume it was not possible to stop traffic or change the vehicle fleet overnight. The EPD therefore focused Noise pollution was unquestionably the most its first efforts on the roads themselves. A trial to lay ­intrusive type of pollution in ­people’s daily lives in quieter surfaces on high-speed roads began in 1987 the 1980s. Construction, industrial, commercial and with the Island Eastern Corridor and reduced noise ­domestic noise together affected up to 2 ­million by five decibels. The success of that led to a decision ­people (out of a population of 5.5 million), with at the end of the decade to extend the programme ­percussive piling alone affecting 400 000 people each to all suitable high-speed roads in Hong Kong. This year. On top of that, more than 1 million people were approach would expand over the years to include exposed to excessive traffic noise and 380 000 to noise barriers and quiet surfaces for low-speed roads, aircraft noise. In some neighbourhoods, people were all to the benefit of local residents. Island Eastern Corridor, the first high-speed road to be laid with a low-noise surface. bombarded by all these noises at the same time.

Carrying out noisy activities, such as piling, and operating powered mechanical equipment at construction sites must comply with the Insulating Schools Against Noise tight restrictions and limits of noise permits issued under the Noise Control Ordinance. Noise annoys but it can also have more destructive the ­Government introduced the School Insulation Noisy ventilators and air-conditioning systems ­effects. In some areas of Hong Kong in the 1980s, it ­Programme to help the worst-hit schools buffer from commercial and industrial activities also was interfering with the education of Hong Kong’s ­themselves against noise. Double-glazed windows caused annoyance because many were located youth. The roar of traffic and aircraft meant ­teachers and air-conditioning were installed, firstly in schools near residential blocks. They, too, came under the had ­trouble making themselves heard. Lessons ­affected by aircraft noise, then by those affected by ordinance. The EPD now had the power to make were paused as aircraft flew as low as 100 metres ­traffic and railway noise. By the time the programme operators reduce their noise, through the issuing overhead, windows were kept shut against traffic was ­completed in 1999, more than 550 schools and of noise abatement notices and the prosecution even during hot, humid weather, and some ­teachers more than 10 800 classrooms had been insulated of offenders. brought megaphones to class to drown out the against ­excessive noise at a cost of $658 million – and ­environmental noise. many tens of thousands of students would be able Aircraft flies over residential buildings in Kowloon City. to learn each day with a reasonable level of peace Thousands of students were affected so in 1987, and quiet. Noise pollution was, and continues to be, a challenge, but the EPD gave it urgent priority. Hong Kong had Accumulated number of classrooms insulated and costs of insulation 1987 - 1999 very few limits on noise in the 1980s and this clearly had to change. The Noise Control Ordinance came 11 000 10863 700 658 into effect in 1989 after several years of debate and 10110 10 000 612 9165 600 gave the Government powers to place limits on 9 000 563 8062 noisy activities and equipment. The most immediate 8 000 493 500 7116 effect was on pile driving, which was limited to 7 000 445 400 6 000 5840 three to five hours a day on weekdays in populated 353.9 5 000 300 areas and required a permit. This was the first step 4 000

215.3 Total Cost (HK$M) Noise from the ventilators and air-conditioning systems of 3 000 3010 200 towards controlling noise from all construction 140.1 160.4 112.5 2126 ­comm­ercial and industrial buildings is also regulated under the Noise 1880 2 000 1585 activities and eventually making company Control ­Ordinance. 1102 76 100 Total Number of Insulated Classrooms Total Number of Insulated 1 000 755 48.3 350 22.9 directors legally responsible for ensuring their 0 0 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 contractors and sub-contractors comply with the Insulating classrooms against noise benefits both Year statutory requirements. students and teachers.

22 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 23 All Local: with noise, there were few controls on emissions.­ Smoky Vehicle Spotting Reducing Hong Kong’s ­Fortunately, the EPD could get to work almost ­immediately on this problem. The Air Pollution Vehicles emitting dirty dark smoke could be commonly chassis dynamometer, which offers additional data on Air Pollution ­Control Ordinance had been passed in 1983 and it seen on Hong Kong’s streets in the 1980s. This engine tuning and prevents drivers from tampering gave the department the means to introduce licences prompted the EPD to launch the Smoky Vehicle with engines to pass the test. "The owners worried Many of the things that caused noise pollution in for specified processes, set minimum standards for Control Programme in 1988 to identify and test smoky this would cost more money and require a longer the 1980s also made the air more polluted. Factories, equipment and operations, and legislate for cleaner vehicles and require owners to clean up their engines. time to repair their vehicles. During consultations, traffic and construction work were emitting enough fuel. The latter would be put to memorable effect The programme has been very successful, but initially a lot of work was done to show them that the test pollutants to expose about 1.5 million people to in 1990, when strict limits on sulphur content in it received a cool reception from owners that illustrated was sound and beneficial, and to persuade them to unacceptable levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen ­industrial fuel dramatically improved air quality. the reluctance and uncertainty in the community at accept it. Now they have a good understanding about dioxide, three million people to high particulate the time towards new environmental initiatives. the test that we use and their attitudes are positive," ­levels, and many people to all three. Unlike today’s air Vehicle pollution started to become more noticeable Mr Li says. pollution which is affected by both local and regional in the 1980s. There were more cars, trucks and buses sources, this problem was all local. on the road and more kilometres being travelled The Smoky Vehicle Spotter Programme has trained to meet the growing demand for moving people and certified thousands of spotters, including Factory emissions were the most immediate ­concern. around the city and goods from factory to port. Many members of the public, who have identified tens Hong Kong had nearly 50 000 factories in 1986. Poor busy roads were situated only a few metres away of thousands of smoky vehicles over the years. planning meant factory chimneys in some places from residential blocks. The EPD could not move The ­Programme has also helped to track the were surrounded by high-rise residential blocks. existing roads, but it could crack down on polluting The Smoky Vehicle Control Programme aims to improve roadside ­effectiveness of vehicle emission control measures. The ­factories often used high-sulphur fuel but, as vehicles, many of which were poorly-maintained. air quality by identifying offending vehicles such as this taxi (left) In 1999 the number of smoky vehicles spotted and requiring their owners to have the engines cleaned up after testing (right). reached a peak of 37 505, but by 2010 this had fallen by 80 per cent to 6 526. The programme started out testing smoky vehicles using the internationally-accepted free acceleration test, but drivers feared, wrongly, that it would harm their engine. Chief Environmental Protection Inspector Mr Jackie Li, who joined the programme since 1989, says they had to put extra effort into educating drivers that the test was sound and safe.

Similarly, vehicle operators resisted when the testing method was upgraded in 1999 to the more stringent A truck undergoes chassis dynamometer smoke test.

"Now the drivers have a good understanding about the test that we use and their attitudes are positive." - Mr Jackie Li

Busy traffic in Queensway, Central in the late 1980s.

24 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 25 In 1988 it began a smoky vehicle spotter programme then were designed in the 1960s and 1970s and they Northeast/Southeast New Territories – would be to identify the worst offenders, haul them in for The Wealth/ emitted high levels of pollutants. The EPD therefore operated to much higher environmental standards testing and make them fix their engines. This first step Waste Conundrum decided early on to phase them out and, in 1997, than previous landfills. They would have impermeable in stopping vehicles from polluting the air would be closed the last old-style incinerator in Kwai Chung. liners to contain leachate for proper on-site treatment followed by increasingly stricter controls on vehicle Remember how Hong Kong’s GDP grew by over The landfills also did not meet desired environmental before it was discharged into the sewerage system, emission and fuel standards in the coming years. 250 per cent during the 1980s? Hong Kong’s waste standards and, most problematically, they were and devices to capture methane-rich landfill gas from loads were also growing rapidly. That increase was running out of capacity. Although the recycling the decaying rubbish. The gas would be used as a fuel Air pollution from construction work presented far greater than had been planned for and the city industry was growing and absorbed more than 10 per source, with the excess burned off in a safe manner. another challenge for the department. The main was quickly running out of places to put its waste – a cent of Hong Kong’s waste at the time, landfilling was (See also Landfills in page 44 for details) problem was dust, which increased levels of situation similar to today, but with a crucial difference: (and still is) an absolute necessity. particulate pollution in the 1980s. Legislation in the the disposal outlets were far less satisfactory in The EPD also committed itself to exploring 1990s remedied that by requiring builders to use environmental terms. The solution to this problem was a Waste Disposal opportunities to reduce waste loads at source, a enclosures, water spraying and other measures to Plan, unveiled in 1989 as a comprehensive strategy goal that would become more urgent in the coming control their dust. By 1989, Hong Kong disposed of 12 000 tonnes of for managing the collection and disposal of waste. years. Continued growth in Hong Kong’s GDP and domestic, commercial / industrial and construction It proposed to open eight refuse transfer stations population would cut short the landfills’ projected Air pollution would shift and change in the following waste each day. There were two options for waste in different areas of Hong Kong to collect waste, 30-year lifetime by several years. Nonetheless, the years, creating complex challenges for the entire Pearl disposal – incineration and landfilling – and both had compact it where possible and transfer it by truck Waste Disposal Plan was an important first step River Delta region. The groundwork laid by the EPD problems. Unlike today’s advanced clean-burning or barge to one of three new strategic landfills. The towards consolidating waste management in Hong in its early years was useful preparation for the often incinerators, the three incinerators in operation back landfills – dubbed WENT, NENT and SENT for West/ Kong and strengthening environmental controls. difficult tasks that lay ahead.

Dusty construction sites in the 1980s (left); dust control measures ­became mandatory in the late 1990s (right).

26 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 27 A Vision for Hong Kong: would turn Hong Kong towards deeper consideration EPD began organising highly-publicised ­blackspot of how to protect its environment as it developed tours in 1988 to give legislators and officials ­first-hand the White Paper on over the coming years. exposure to Hong Kong’s worsening ­pollution. Pollution ­However, it also wanted the message to reach people The White Paper also offered extra resources to the on the street – workers, students, housewives, the The EPD had a remarkably fruitful start tackling Government’s anti-pollution goals and a c­ ommitment elderly, and the like. The EPD realised that a dedicated Hong Kong’s pollution, but it realised something to strengthen enforcement of anti-pollution laws, effort would be needed to get the community to more was needed to achieve long-term health of which up to this point was still in its infancy. The ­support environmental protection. the ­environment: a vision that would pull together EPD would acquire more than 950 additional staff, the different strands of its work and create goals for many of whom would be involved in ­inspections, A forceful environmental awareness campaign was a greener future. A "White Paper: Pollution in Hong ­investigations and responding to complaints launched in late 1989 and increasing effort was Kong - A time to act", published by the Government (a ­pollution complaints hotline was opened in 1986). ­directed towards educating the community on the on World Environment Day 1989, provided that vision. The extra staff also meant the EPD had the manpower dangers of pollution and on the measures required to offer polluters technical advice and assistance so to clean up the environment. A community-based The White Paper was an over-arching statement of they could prevent pollution in the first place. ­Environmental Resource Centre was also planned to the work required to reduce Hong Kong’s pollution provide easier access to environmental ­information. Early guidelines on environmental considerations in planning and make up for past neglect. It also put a price tag and ­development activities were introduced in the Environmental One final area addressed in the White Paper would The hope was that as people became more aware on that work of $20 billion. The high cost ­underlined ­Guidelines for Planning in Hong Kong (left), which is the environment eventually resonate in all sectors of the community. of the threats to their environment, they would chapter of the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (right). a central message of the White Paper: if it cost In 1989 many people in Hong Kong were ignorant ­pressure the Government and others to take action. $20 billion to make up for lost ground, then it was and apathetic about pollution, even when their They might also come to appreciate the ­contributions time to ensure no more ground was lost. Pollution prevention was still a rather new idea in the health was being adversely affected by it. In fact, that they, as individuals, could make to a cleaner 1980s, not only in Hong Kong but globally. The city the ­strongest voices on environmental issues were ­environment. Collective responsibility would be an had taken a few tentative steps in this direction in those who ­opposed any controls, such as farmers and important step towards achieving a greener, healthier the middle of the decade by adding an ­environment ­industrialists. The level of disinterest was such that the place to live. chapter to the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines and requiring Government public works projects to undergo environmental reviews. ­However, these were not legally binding, they left the ­private sector largely untouched, and they offered no ­strategic perspective to weigh up the potential ­impacts of multiple projects.

The White Paper addressed the situation in two ways. First, it proposed a legal framework for ­planning against pollution. The Environmental Impact ­Assessment Ordinance would then come into effect in 1998 and be a significant milestone in environmental protection in Hong Kong. And second, it established an administrative framework that linked planning and the environment for the first time. The new Planning, Environment and Lands Branch would be a high-level body to which both the EPD and the new Planning Department would report. Together, these measures The Wan Chai Environmental Resource Centre was the first of its kind and provides the public with access to a variety of environmental information.

28 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 Chapter 2 - A Time To Act, 1986-1989 29 Chapter 3 Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999

he new decade opened with promising news The Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) Growth of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Disposal in the 1990s Tfor the environment. Air quality improved work throughout the decade was guided by the 1989 ­dramatically overnight when a regulation to limit White Paper on pollution and, while there were many 9 500 the sulphur content in fuel was introduced in July successful results, there were also some challenges.

1990. People living near factories and industrial On water pollution, for instance, improvements were 9 000 ­areas ­suddenly found the air was cleaner and studies­ achieved at beaches, rivers and streams, but the by local academics confirmed this had a positive ­future of a clean-up plan for Victoria Harbour became 8 500 ­effect on people’s health, especially children. There a subject of heated discussion. Progress was slow. was hope, then, that the environment could be 8 000 ­improved to everyone’s benefit. This was something This debate had a silver lining, however, because it that would need to be remembered in the turbulent made people realise pollution was about a lot more per day) (tonnes

Amount of MSW Disposed 7 500 years to come. than litter or floating refuse, and that those who ­created pollution should bear some ­responsibility for 7 000 cleaning it up. In terms of water ­pollution, that meant 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 paying sewage charges. Year

Municipal solid waste was also a growing concern ­Factories were re-locating to ­Guangdong province as waste loads increased unabated in the 1990s. where land and labour were cheaper, taking their air A more affluent lifestyle and a booming economy and water pollution problems with them. Pollution meant ­people were throwing away more than respects no boundaries and these problems began to ever. ­Repeated general messages to reduce waste contribute to regional pollution. had ­limited ­effect, so the EPD decided to take a more proactive ­approach. It launched a pilot Waste "A real change in the quality of Hong Kong's ­Recycling ­Campaign in Housing Estates in 1998, the ­environment needs more than just cleaning up first large-scale community recycling effort in Hong ­litter and enforcing environmental laws, it requires Kong and one that would grow in breadth and depth a ­fundamental change of mindset. Every citizen, over the years. Every little bit would count. every business, every government department and Chimneys on top of industrial buildings in the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung areas no longer produce visible emissions after a regulation to bureau needs to start working in partnership to limit the sulphur content in fuel came into force in 1990. In addition to these persistent problems, a new set of achieve what is known as 'sustainable development'," challenges started to emerge in the 1990s as Hong the ­then-Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee-hwa said. Kong’s population continued to grow and its ­economy That seed of an idea would grow into action in the Victoria Harbour in the 1990s. shifted from manufacturing to ­service-based. next century.

30 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 31 At the Frontline An Ounce of Prevention The success of the EPD’s efforts to control ­pollution typically ranged from 20 000 to 25 000 per year (the is Worth a Pound of Cure is thanks in no small part to its inspection and police also handled some cases). ­enforcement team. Six Local Control Offices (LCOs) The overriding lesson of the EPD’s first 15 years was were set up between 1991 and 1995, when ­hundreds Starting in the late 1990s, a "service" mentality took that pollution is a lot easier to prevent than to clean of staff started being deployed near polluting hold in LCOs to provide operators with information up. End-of-pipe solutions are usually expensive and ­establishments to deal with offenders and advise and guidance on complying with ­environmental complicated to carry out. Noise is a good example. ­operators on how to reduce their ­pollution. Their laws and regulations. A one-stop counter was set Traffic noise problems are the result of roads and work includes handling ­complaints and licensing and up in all LCOs in 1997 that made it simpler and more ­residential buildings being built too close together. permit ­applications, inspecting premises and carrying ­user-friendly to apply for permits and ­licenses. Once they are in place, the options to reduce noise out surveys, and ­overseeing procedures to warn and, A ­Customer Service Centre opened in 2002 to exposure are limited. where necessary, prosecute offenders. ­streamline the handling of enquiries and complaints. In 2006 the Compliance Assistance Centre was launched to provide­ operators with trade-specific The Hong Kong Stadium has a 40 000-seat-capacity and is used for advice on ­pollution control requirements. This was holding major public activities. ­followed by the Environmental Compliance ­Promotion ­Programme in 2009 to further step up awareness One of the ground-breaking features of the ­ordinance and compliance. was its transparency. The public now had access to project profiles, EIA reports, ­environmental permits, The Customer Service Centre is environmental monitoring and audit ­information equipped with a geographical and decisions by the Director of ­Environmental ­information system through which operators can pinpoint the exact ­Protection through the EIAO website, and it became location of a complaint. easier for them to give input. This would help to East Kowloon Corridor runs through densely populated residential heighten ­people’s engagement with the protection The EPD set up six Local Control Offices in the 1990s to serve The EPD also developed partnership programmes to areas in To Kwa Wan. of their ­environment. the community. work closely with specific polluting industries to help The EPD set out to prevent further such problems The types of problems that EPD’s enforcement staff them improve their performance (see Our ­Industry from arising through the Environmental Impact have dealt with range from noisy air-conditioning Partners in page 54 for details). Enforcement work ­Assessment Ordinance­ (EIAO), which came into ­effect units, industrial emissions and restaurant odours to still continued and a dedicated legal team was set in 1998. The EIAO made it mandatory for ­designated illegal discharges of domestic, industrial and livestock up in 1999 to handle prosecutions, but the new projects to undergo EIAs to avoid, minimise and waste and the fly-tipping of waste. Their workload ­emphasis on encouraging compliance led to a name ­mitigate the environmental impacts and to enforce includes tens of thousands of inspections each year change for the LCOs in 2004, to the ­Environmental EIA ­recommendations during construction and and responding to complaints which, by the 2000s, Compliance Division. ­operation. Previously, project proponents could choose to ­ignore EIA recommendations – sometimes to their own detriment. A famous example was the Hong Kong Stadium, which was not designed to ­contain noise despite being surrounded by ­residential blocks. The noise levels from concerts exceeded statutory limits in the evening and the shows had to be stopped. The new EIA process could have averted Staff of Local Control Offices conduct a noise complaint­i nvestigation (left), Representatives of the vehicle ­repair workshop trade visit the that problem by identifying the noise problem at an and a seminar to explain pollution controls to the ­community (right). Compliance Assistance Centre. Project profiles and EIA reports can be accessed through the early stage and requiring design changes. EIAO website.

32 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 33 Greening Government

The Government has often led the way in Notwithstanding the scale of the airport and The Government has also introduced such ­implementing green measures and ­environmental ­associated projects, the EIA process helped to ­environmental initiatives as extensive use of management in its operations. It started to do ­minimise the environmental impacts and ensure that ­electronic communications to reduce paper use, ­environmental impact assessments (EIAs) of its major far fewer people were affected by airport operations green procurement for a growing number of works projects back in the mid-1980s – long before in Hong Kong. ­products and the promotion of green ­procurement they were mandatory – and it has been at the ­forefront in public works projects, and a requirement in Hong Kong in incorporating green considerations Government EIA reports were made available to that indoor temperatures be kept at a minimum into its policies and programmes. the public in 1992, helping to trial this requirement 25.5 degrees Celsius in summer months. A ­substantial in the EIA Ordinance which came into effect in amount of resources has also been allocated to The airport at Chek Lap Kok opened in 1998 off north 1998. "Green paragraphs" were also required in all ­enhance ­energy efficiency in public and ­Government The EIA Study on the Siting of Hong Kong's New Airport had ruled out ­ Lantau Island to replace the old Kai Tak airport, which options that would cause irreversible environmental damage. papers to the Executive Council from 1992 to show buildings. The ­Government aims to reduce its ­total was situated in the middle of a densely-populated ­environmental implications were taken into ­account electricity ­consumption by 5 per cent between urban area in Kowloon. About 20 EIAs were carried the build up of water pollution in the area. Measures in new policy proposals. These were followed by 2009-10 and 2013-14 over 2007-08 levels. out on the airport core programme enabling design were introduced to protect the Chinese white dolphin measures to ­increase accountability for green improvements and additional environmental benefits ­during construction and to rescue the rare Romer’s ­performance within Government. to be included at an early stage. tree frog. The layout of nearby Tung Chung new town was designed so as to reduce residents’ ­exposure In 1994 Green Managers were appointed in all The airport was designed to substantially reduce the to noise from both aircraft and the North Lantau ­Government departments and bureaus and number of people exposed to aircraft noise from ­Expressway. During construction of the project, ­provided with training and a helpline so they could 380 000 to fewer than 300. The airport island was also ­special on-site offices were set up to monitor and ­implement green housekeeping measures such laid out to allow for natural flushing so as to avoid ­audit the work and respond to complaints. as waste ­minimisation and recovery and ­energy ­conservation. In 1999 the Chief Secretary ­announced that ­accountability would reach to the top – all ­departmental heads and policy ­secretaries would have to sign off on annual environmental­p erformance reports of their activities and these would be made Mr Donald Tsang, the Chief Executive (right), endorsed the Clean Air public. The EPD played a key role here by providing Charter in 2006 and launched a "Dress Down in Summer" ­campaign. The latter supported an initiative to set summer air condition guides and a help-desk, and ­training more than 300 ­temperatures at 25.5 degrees Celsius. Government officers to ­conduct ­environmental audits of their departments and ­bureaux.

A seminar for senior government officials on the concept and process of producing good Environmental Performance Reports (left), and some early NEF contours for Hong Kong airports examples of Environmental Performance Reports produced by government departments (right).

34 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 35 A Haze over However, despite these initiatives, a lot of old, at the roadside. People dirty vehicles remained on Hong Kong’s roads. were also more aware of the Landscape ­Maintenance was a problem, so smoky vehicle the poor quality of the ­testing was expanded and improved to get owners to air. They could see more Smog has become a too-common occurrence today ­properly maintain their vehicles (see Smoky Vehicle smog out their windows but up to the mid-1990s, it was a fairly rare event Spotting in page 25 for details). The EPD also carried and they also started in Hong Kong. The air was still polluted, but with out trials of emission ­reduction devices retrofitted on ­receiving daily reports on ­chemicals that were not major producers of smog. diesel trucks and buses and the use of LPG by taxis. air quality through the So while air quality may look worse today, it was not Both of these ­measures help to ­reduce pollution and media, which ­reported always so great back then. The gas fired Black Point power plant gives out less polluting ­emissions than coal-fired power plants. the success of the trials made them central features the EPD’s Air Pollution in the Chief Executive’s 1999 Policy Address, which Index (API) readings. The EPD focused on reducing emissions from local Vehicle pollution was a more elusive target. ­Vehicle ­announced $1.4 billion in Government grants to make factories, power plants and vehicles. The ­regulation mileage increased by 25 per cent over the ­decade. emission reduction devices mandatory and switch all Air pollution respects no boundary. Governments of on sulphur content in fuel was the first success, This was in some ways an opportunity. The ­standards taxis to LPG. Guangdong and Hong Kong need to work ­together ­helping to slash sulphur dioxide levels shortly for the growing number of new ­vehicles could to tackle the regional problem. Mr Tung announced ­after the regulation came into effect in 1990. The be made stricter so they would be less ­polluting. There was an urgency to these measures. By 1999, in his 1999 Policy Address that Hong Kong and ­phasing-out of all old incinerators by 1997 also helped ­Starting in 1992, the vehicle emission and fuel ­levels of respirable suspended particulates (RSP), ­Guangdong would produce a joint study on ­regional to remove pollutants from the air. ­standards were progressively tightened to meet the which come from diesel vehicles and power plants, air quality and formulate long-term ­measures latest ­European diesel emission standards. ­Unleaded were higher than other developed cities such as to ­tackle the problem. Both sides agreed to take petrol was also required for cars from 1992. While a ­Tokyo and New York, and often exceeded Hong ­concerted effort to ensure cleaner air for everybody plan to switch light diesel vehicles to petrol faltered Kong’s health-based Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) in the Pearl River Delta region. due to ­inflationary fears, the EPD explored with the taxi and light bus trades the alternative of replacing diesel taxi and light buses with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles.

Kennedy Town Incineration Plant was decommissioned in 1993.

Power plants were, and continue to be, a major source of air pollution, but their operators made advances in reducing their emissions. During the 1990s they introduced lower-sulphur coal, ­installed Hong Kong’s air quality monitoring network which provides data for pollution-control devices in chimneys, and adopted calculating the API. cleaner energies. The Black Point power plant opened in 1996 using less-polluting natural gas ­rather than coal, and Hong Kong started ­receiving electricity from the Daya Bay nuclear reactor in Areas covered in the Hong Kong-Guangdong joint study on regional air pollution, which was conducted in 1999. Mainland China in 1994. Emission reduction devices such as particulate traps (bottom left) and catalytic converters (bottom right) help to reduce emissions from ­diesel trucks and buses.

36 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 37 project in 2000, leading to further changes and a Paying for sewage services became an issue ­because While SSDS/HATS attracted a lot of public ­attention Getting the Water public ­consultation). the improved sewerage system would not be in the 1990s, the EPD was also making quiet, steady Wheels Flowing ­sustainable unless everyone in the community shared progress in other efforts to improve water quality. The Technical problems would also plague the project, the cost of sewage treatment on the basis of polluter Chemical Waste Treatment Centre on Tsing Yi Island Water pollution was thrust to the centre stage of which underwent a name change to the Harbour pays principle. The Government introduced sewage and associated controls on chemical waste, which the environmental discourse in the 1990s, thanks Area Treatment Scheme (HATS). The treatment plant charges in 1995 to recoup part of the operating cost came into effect in 1993, stopped factories from to ­intense public debate on the Strategic ­Sewage on Stonecutters Island began operating in 1997 but of sewage treatment, although it continued to invest dumping chemical waste indiscriminately. Livestock ­Disposal Scheme (SSDS). SSDS was a plan to ­collect it was not able to receive the planned sewage flows heavily in various sewerage facilities across the city farms and an increasing number of village houses sewage from around Victoria Harbour, treat it at because of hold-ups in creating deep underground and bear the capital cost. Initially, the community had were also prevented from ­dumping their waste ­water Stonecutters Island and dispose of the treated tunnels to convey sewage to the plant. Once that differing views on paying towards sewage ­services, untreated into rivers, streams and other ­waters. ­effluent via long sea outfall in the South China Sea. was sorted out in late 2001, about 75 per cent of but the charges were kept affordably low – less than Sewerage Master Plans ­continued to be ­drafted Some groups did not like the outfall, others were sewage around Victoria Harbour would finally start $8 a month for half of households and less than and reviewed to ensure that the ­sewerage ­system unhappy with centralised treatment and the level of receiving treatment. $18 for 85 per cent of households. Several trades such would meet the development needs of this ­growing treatment, still others worried about the cost. as restaurants and manufacturing industries were also city. And work with the Shenzhen ­Environmental required to pay Trade Effluent Surcharges for treating ­Protection Bureau got underway to control pollution their more polluted discharges. in Deep Bay, Mirs Bay and the ­Shenzhen River.

Recommended sewage treatment and outfall location for the ­Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme.

The Government decided to have an ­independent international panel review the project and give their expert opinion. The panel upheld the outfall­ but ­suggested the treatment be upgraded to ­chemically-enhanced primary treatment to remove further pollutants. This was all feasible within the ­physical and financial constraints of the project and became incorporated into the design (­although

that would not be the end of discussion: another Construction gets underway for the deep underground tunnels of the The Chemical Waste Treatment Centre was designed with a capacity to treat 100 000 tonnes of chemical waste per year, most of which had ­international review panel would look at the HATS programme. ­previously been dumped in the harbour.

38 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 39 The result of these efforts was improving water 76 per cent in the mid 1980s to over 80 per cent by Harbour Area Treatment Scheme ­quality throughout the decade. The ­percentage the late 1990s. The Tolo Harbour Action Plan was also of ­rivers and streams that complied with the ­completed, resulting in significant improvements ­water ­quality objectives increased from less than there (see Tolo Harbour Clean-up in page 17 for 50 per cent in the late 1980s to 77 per cent by 1999. ­details). The trend towards better water quality would Similarly, the overall compliance with the marine gather pace after 2000, but during the 1990s, the ­water quality objectives increased from around groundwork was laid for healthy waters ahead.

WQOs compliance in the inland waters of Hong Kong 1986 – 2010

The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme was designed to improve Victoria Harbour’s water quality by collecting and treating sewage discharged into the harbour.

The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) was the discharged around Victoria Harbour each day. The subject of much debate throughout the 1990s, but polluted plumes around the east and central parts of that did not prevent a key part of the programme the harbour have disappeared and water quality has from going ahead. Construction got underway on ­significantly improved. Advance Disinfection ­Facilities Stage 1 – the Stonecutters Island sewage treatment were added in 2010 to help reduce pollution in the

WQOs Compliance plant – which was an essential component for any western harbour. However, Stage 1 is not enough to outcome of HATS (the debate mainly centred on the sustain good water quality in the harbour. That will

(By percentage of monitoring stations) of monitoring (By percentage level of treatment and disposal, and the Stonecutters only come with the completion of Stage 2, which plant could be upgraded as needed). will collect the remaining 25 per cent of sewage and Year ­upgrade the level of treatment. The first phase of The HATS Stage 1 was completed in late 2001, ­after Stage 2 is expected to start operating in 2014. difficulties in building deep underground pipes to convey sewage to the plant were overcome. The plant provides chemically-enhanced primary WQOs compliance in marine waters of Hong Kong 1986-2010 ­treatment to about 75 per cent of the sewage being

Year Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Plant is a key component of The preferred option for HATS Stage 2. the HATS.

40 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 41 and to encourage recycling. It would take more than Bringing Home the 10 years for the construction waste charge to ­actually Message on Waste come into effect because waste haulers and the ­construction trade mounted strong resistance to it. In The EPD’s first priority in waste management was the end, though, the polluter pays principle prevailed. to ensure there were proper and adequate facilities The charge would help to reduce the quantities of to dispose of Hong Kong’s waste. A modern waste perfectly reusable construction waste sent to landfills. ­disposal network of strategic landfills and refuse transfer stations with high environmental ­standards was built in the 1990s to replace old landfills and ­incinerators that were running out of capacity and creating pollution problems. But this was only a first step. Sustainable waste management required ­everyone in the community to become less ­wasteful, from the office to the construction site to the ­classroom to the home. The pressure was on because waste arisings were growing at a faster-than-­expected pace due to continuing growth in the population, economic activity, and construction waste loads. The Waste Reduction Framework Plan was launched in 1998 and proposed measures to reduce the amount of municipal solid waste requiring disposal.

Network of Waste Transfer and Disposal Facilities

that used the latest clean-burning technology, ­unlike the dirty incinerators of the past. The Plan also Re-usable materials such as these wooden pieces have ended up ­proposed to divert 84 per cent of construction waste in landfills. from ­landfills.

Recycling and re-use were also important goals for These were ambitious goals and while the Chief municipal solid waste. The commercial and industrial ­Executive endorsed them in his 1999 Policy Address, ­sector was doing quite a good job, recycling 53 per they would require revision in later years in light of cent of its waste through an informal sector of private the experience gained. Hong Kong was not quite operators. Domestic waste recycling, though, was yet ready to embrace incineration, or to take up A modern waste disposal network of strategic landfills and refuse abysmal. Only 8 per cent was recycled as of 1994, ­recycling to the extent envisioned in the Framework transfer stations with high environmental standards was built in the 1990s to cope with an anticipated rapid growth in waste generation. representing an unnecessary waste of resources and Plan. The plan did offer an opportunity to nudge the landfill space. In 1998, the EPD unveiled the Waste ­population in the right direction though, through the Construction waste at landfills fluctuated between ­Reduction Framework Plan to address the problem. Waste Recycling Campaign in Housing Estates. This 6 000 and 16 000 tonnes per day throughout started with 40 housing estates in 1998 and expanded the 1990s, taking up space that was intended for The Framework Plan proposed reducing the ­projected to hundreds of estates within a few years. Although ­municipal solid waste. Much of it comprised ­concrete, amount of municipal solid waste requiring disposal the collection facilities and types of recyclables timber, rocks and other materials that could be (including both domestic and commercial/industrial ­collected were limited, they gave the public its first A waste recycling programme is launched at a housing estate. ­reused after proper sorting. In 1995 a regulation was waste) by 40 per cent by 2007, or 1.8 million tonnes opportunity to be part of the solution for managing passed by legislators to give effect to waste charges, a year. This would be achieved through a series of Hong Kong’s waste. both to recover costs (landfilling costs $125 per tonne) waste reduction measures and incineration facilities­

42 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 43 Landfills The Persistence of Noise traffic noise. One million people remained exposed to excessive traffic noise. However, it was a significant When the three strategic landfills were built in the "To ensure that the newly commissioned leachate The positive benefits of the 1989 Noise Control achievement that this figure did not grow during the 1990s, they were up against a deadline – much like treatment plant would not be overloaded when the ­Ordinance reverberated throughout the 1990s. 1990s given the population increased by nearly one today’s facilities, the old landfills were approaching landfill was opened, we decided to separate the initial ­Pile-driving was contained and by the end of the million people and the number of licensed vehicles capacity. The new ones had to be built before they waste tipping phase into smaller areas to reduce the decade, the noisiest types of pile drivers had been grew by about 40 per cent. got full. volume of leachate generated and at the same time banned. Hand-held breakers and air compressors build temporary lagoons to store the excess leachate had to meet tougher noise standards. Within ­built-up The reason behind that containment was a ­planning until it could be treated. This helped us to open the new areas, other noisy construction activity, such as programme that was hailed as world-class and landfill on time and receive the waste," Mr Luen said. ­hammering and banging, were banned on Sundays second­ only to Japan. Extra effort was made to ­ensure and public holidays and from 7pm to 7am. Noise new roads did not disturb residents and major new "The approach for the new landfills was a lot ­different standards for commercial and industrial premises housing developments were protected from local from the old ones. The old ones didn't have much were also tightened in 1992. noise. Road alignment was adjusted where ­possible Hong Kong's three strategic landfills: North East New Territories ­environmental control, like biological leachate and consideration given to alternative land use ­Landfill (left), West New Territories Landfill (centre) and South East ­treatment and an impermeable composite liner T h a t w a s t h e g o o d ­arrangements. Some 28 kilometres of barriers were New Territories Landfill (right). ­system (to capture the leachate). Also, the operational news. Unfortunately, also erected over roads by the end of the decade, ­requirements were not very stringent for old landfills certain ­operators were and 11 kilometres of high-speed roads re-surfaced Senior Environmental Protection Inspector so the roads in these landfills were a lot rougher. disregarding the law with low noise material, bringing relief to 15 650 Mr Luen Kwok-wai was assigned to the SENT (South and ­absorbing noise ­dwellings. Controls on vehicle noise emissions also East New Territories) Landfill project in 1993, ­having "After the SENT Landfill was opened, we had students pollution fines as the came into ­effect and were tightened subsequently. ­already worked at the new Kowloon Bay Refuse and other visitors at the landfill and they were very cost of doing ­business. The ­prospects for the remaining people still exposed ­Transfer Station. There was only one year to complete impressed with the design. They were also able to ­B e t w e e n 19 9 7 a n d to traffic noise were also a little brighter, as the Chief the new landfill as the old Tseung Kwan O landfill learn about the large amount of waste generated 1999, 47 companies Executive announced a new programme to deal with would be full before the end of 1994. But as the work in Hong Kong. I always told them that they should were convicted­ five or noise from existing roads in his 1999 Policy Address. got u­ nderway, they ­encountered obstacles. reduce their waste by not being so wasteful in their more times for noise daily life and should try to reuse and separate waste ­offences which affected One other success in reducing noise exposure is Two typhoons struck in the late summer of 1993, for recycling." 100 000 people per year. worth noting, although it does not relate directly to ­disrupting the work. Then in 1994 unusual heavy rains The operation of hand-held The EPD took a ­carrot environmental protection work. The opening of the ­breakers and air compressors arrived. These not only slowed down construction The SENT Landfill now faces the same fate as the old must comply with stringent noise and stick approach to new airport at Chek Lap Kok had a substantial impact work, but also raised concern about leachate and landfills – it is nearly full. The EPD is working to extend ­standards. the problem. On the on noise exposure in Hong Kong. At the old airport ­possible contaminated run-off from landfills. Leachate the area of the three strategic landfills, build modern stick side, it ­established a dedicated legal team in at Kai Tak, 380 000 people were affected every day volume increases substantially after heavy rains and waste incineration facilities and get more recycling 1999, in part to deal with this problem, and it began by the roar of aircraft engines that were at times only this could pose a challenge to leachate treatment. and waste reduction programmes in place to achieve ­preparations to make ­corporate ­directors liable for 100 metres overhead. When the airport moved in more sustainable waste management. repeated offe­ nces. On the carrot side, the d­ epartment 1998, that number dropped to fewer than 300. ­began to reach out to the ­construction trade to help ­builders ­understand their obligations on all "I always told visitors that they should reduce their waste by not being ­environmental ­issues and to see what ­obstacles they faced in meeting them. The ­latter approach would be Noise barriers and so wasteful in their daily life and should try to reuse and separate waste enclosures are for recycling." particularly fruitful in the coming decade. erected over Tsuen King Circle, Tsuen Wan to protect - Mr Luen Kwok-wai As construction noise came under control, more nearby dwellings ­attention was focused on the persistent problem of from traffic noise.

44 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 45 "Environmental Students Learn and Do

Protection Starts With A key target of the EPD’s community work is Me!" young people. If they can be educated to ­protect the ­environment and understand their role in The reduction in pollution in the 1990s was a this, then the future will look that much brighter. ­gratifying achievement, but the EPD was aiming for Ms Isabel Li is one person who has developed a green something more – an environment that was healthy ­consciousness through this approach. Student Environmental Protection Ambassadors participate in the and sustainably managed. That was not ­going to Environmental Protection Festival in 1995. be achievable without a change of mindset, as Ms Li is Education Manager at Ocean Park, but she Mr Tung had pointed out. Everybody had to realise first became interested in environmental issues The SEPA scheme has trained many students like Ms they were polluters and start reducing their impacts after she was appointed a Student Environmental Li over the years, starting with 220 schools and 1 659

on the environment. Representatives of green groups, commercial organisations and the ­Protection Ambassador (SEPA). The SEPA scheme student ambassadors in 1995 and growing to involve Environmental Campaign Committee at the Environmental Workshop was launched in 1995 to train students to carry out 619 schools and more than 14 000 students by 2010. And Presentation Ceremony on World Environment Day 1998. green actions in their schools and produce reports of ­Environmental Protection Ambassador schemes have their work. "Before I became a SEPA, I was like a lot of also been extended to other youth groups such as the business groups and social welfare organisations, Hong Kong kids – I had not had any connection with Scouts and Girl Guides, to business groups such as the which helped to carry the green message deeper into ­nature and I hadn’t thought about what kind of career Lions and Zontians, to the elderly, and to volunteers the community. Green groups, for example, produced I wanted apart from the typical things like teacher or working on green projects. teaching materials for schools and provided balance ­accountant," she says. The Environmental Campaign Committee aims to raise ­awareness to the debate on the environment, while companies The EPD and green groups have also promoted through such things as “Clean-up the Beaches” organised for the World Environment Day 1997 (left), and the production of that went green shared their experiences with others. That all changed with the SEPA programme. Ms Li ­environmental awareness in schools by ­producing ­environmental education kits for schools (right). learned about teamwork and became interested environmental education packs for primary and Funding was also provided to local groups to carry in the effectiveness of environmental protection ­secondary schools. In addition, the EPD has run the Awareness-raising began in earnest in 1990 with the out their own campaigns and awareness-raising. ­programmes, and she was motivated to study Hong Kong Green School Award (see Hong Kong creation of the Government-appointed ­Environmental The Environment and Conservation Fund, set up in ­environmental science at university. After ­graduating, Green School Award in page 60 for details) since 2000 Campaign Committee (ECC), which adopted the 1994, approved grants for more than 320 research she took up her job with Ocean Park. "If I hadn’t to promote environmental ­management systems in ­slogan "Environmental Protection Starts With Me!" and awareness projects by the end of 1999. The Chief been a SEPA, I would not have pursued a career in schools, while the Environment and ­Conservation to drive home the concept of personal responsibility. Executive pledged a further $100 million for the ­environmental education. I now manage a team of Fund allocated a total of $150 million in 2009 and 2010 That theme would be carried through in the ECC’s ­Sustainable Development Fund in 1999 to support 40 staff and I am proud that we touch the hearts and to implement on-site portioning of meals with the festivals and campaigns (including its support for the community initiatives on sustainable development. minds of many people each day and help to inspire aim of reducing use of disposal ­containers and cutlery waste recycling campaign in housing estates) and them to protect the environment," she says. and cutting down on food waste. With such support its work with schools, businesses and other sectors What impact did these efforts have? Periodic surveys and encouragement, schools can help students to of society. showed more people were trying to reduce or recycle care the environment. waste (79 per cent in 1998 against 71 per cent in 1995) The EPD also established a fixed presence in the and they were more willing to pay a higher price community by setting up Environmental Resources for greener products (57 per cent in 1998 against "I now manage a team of 40 staff and I am proud that we touch the Centres, the first of which opened in Wan Chai in 47 per cent in 1995). But at the same time, 83 per cent hearts and minds of many people each day and help to inspire them to 1993. The public could drop in and get access to thought the Government should do more to protect protect the environment." ­environmental information. The department also the environment. The goal of individual responsibility forged links with green groups, schools, youth groups, would, paradoxically, require more partnership and - Ms Isabel Li communication in order to take hold.

46 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 47 A Resource for the Community Making an Ideal Home ­co-ordinate efforts in such areas as improving ­regional air quality, promoting forestry and nature One of the EPD’s goals in raising awareness about the Ms Ng Lai-fun joined the Wan Chai ERC in May 1994 The end of the decade brought a major new conservation, protecting the water quality of the environment has been to make information ­easily as a librarian and has worked with the ERCs ever ­statement on the environment in the Chief Dongjiang River (which provides Hong Kong with available to the public. Apart from programmes in since. She is currently based at the Fanling ERC. She ­Executive’s Policy Address, which was titled "Quality drinking water), and improving water quality in the schools and public campaigns, it has established has ­witnessed changes in the quality and quantity People, Quality Home". The city had advanced rapidly Pearl River Estuary, etc. resource centres in the heart of the community that of learning materials available, as more computer over the past two decades. Wealth and population provide a gathering point for learning more about games, visual aids and other equipment have been had increased and so had people’s expectations for Mr Tung also incorporated sustainable ­development environmental issues. added. When it comes to attitudes, she sees room for a healthier, cleaner environment. The environment principles into the Government’s ­decision-making putting knowledge into action. section of Mr Tung’s address explained how the process by announcing that all major policy ­proposals The first Environmental Resource Centre (ERC) ­Government would meet those expectations through would be subject to sustainability ­assessments. opened in Wan Chai in 1993 in a declared monument the programmes described above. It also highlighted ­Moreover, $100 million would be allocated to ­support – Old Wan Chai Post Office. This was followed by the two areas that would become increasingly ­important community initiatives on sustainability and a ­Council opening ERCs in Tsuen Wan and Fanling and a Mobile in the years ahead: regional co-operation and for Sustainable Development would be set up to ERC that travels to schools, housing estates, shopping ­sustainable development. ­advise the Government on priority sustainable malls and other community sites. The EPD has also ­development issues. provided community resources through the Kennedy Town Environmental Exhibition Corner and the Lung "No matter how hard the Government tries, it will not Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre, which is " Q ualit y Peo ple, be able to accomplish the task of reversing the decline operated jointly with the University of Hong Kong. Quality Home" was in one go and get all the problems solved tomorrow. Students visit the Fanling ERC. the key message in Together, these six centres receive more than 75 000 the Chief Executive’s But this underscores why we have to ­translate our visitors a year from Hong Kong and Mainland China. Policy Address 1999. words into action immediately," Mr Tung said. "Students learn more about environmental protection nowadays, but they may not put that into practice. "On the threshold of the 21st Century, we have They have more money so they have more games, a choice between increasing degradation of our clothes, shoes, etc. We tell them to think about what ­environment, which they throw away and consider whether it can be Regional co-operation expanded significantly ­during will endanger our ­recycled or still be of good use. We encourage them the 1990s as Hong Kong and Guangdong sought joint health and hamper not to waste energy and to take public transport solutions to their shared environmental ­problems. the development or ride bicycles, instead of taking taxis. We need to Cross-boundary studies were arranged on regional of our economy, The old Wan Chai Post Office was converted to the first community Environmental Resource Centre in 1993 (left) for visits by the public, ­continue to be persistent with them. Many individuals air and water quality, which would result in joint a n d a f u t u r e i n and the Mobile ERC outreaches to schools, housing estates, shopping have to do their part if we are to protect the Earth," ­action plans and targets. These developing ties which respect for malls and other community sites (right). she says. were strengthened when the Chief Executive and our environment ­Guangdong’s Governor simultaneously announced will ­enhance our in 1999 that they would step up co-operation on prosperity and the ­cross-boundary environmental issues. quality of our own "Many individuals have to do their part if we are to protect the Earth." lives and those A new working group was set up under the Hong of generations to - Ms Ng Lai-fun Kong – Guangdong Co-operation Joint ­Conference, come. The choice called the Joint Working Group on Sustainable is quite obvious." ­Development and Environmental Protection, to

48 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 Chapter 3 - Cleaning Up Our House, 1990-1999 49 Chapter 4 New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005

he dawn of a new century was an ­opportunity under the light of public scrutiny. People wanted The increase in complaints ­signalled that people Tfor positive starts: turn over a new leaf, look solutions to water and air pollution, they wanted were more aware of pollution, which after all had ­brightly to the future, embark on a new path. In to recycle, and they were willing to speak up with been a problem for years. The ­community started Hong Kong, it marked an awakening among the their views. They may not have always agreed with ­pressuring the Government to solve ­environmental public about the state of their environment. Frankly, the ­solutions being offered, but they wanted to be problems such as air pollution more quickly. They also people were not always happy with what they saw. ­involved in the debate. started supporting ­programmes that could make a Smog and water pollution in Victoria ­Harbour were ­difference. A public consultation on the future of the still problems. Waste loads remained at high ­levels The backdrop to this growing engagement on Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) found favour and ­recycling was not catching up fast enough. ­environmental issues was a healthy economy and for pressing ahead with this project, even though it ­Frustrations mounted and 2000 brought the political stability. The 1997 handover had come entailed higher costs. ­highest number of pollution complaints ever, more and gone. An economic downturn in the late than 30 000. However, there was a silver lining in 1990s was more than balanced by the booming More importantly, there was general support for this ­discontent. ­Mainland ­economy in the 2000s, to which Hong ­applying the polluter pays principle. For instance, Kong was closely linked. People began focusing construction­ waste charges were about to come Issues that previously were debated in deep corners on ­quality of life, which was equated with a quality into effect to recover disposal costs and discourage

by academics, green groups and other specialists, living ­environment. The public can make complaints and enquiries to the EPD through its ­builders from dumping re-usable and recyclable came to the centre of the room and were placed ­Customer Service Centre hotline. ­materials in landfills.

Pollution complaints 1997 - 2005

A comparison of the water plume in the Victoria Harbour off Kai Tak before the commissioning of HATS Stage 1 (left) and after (right).

50 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 51 Money was not the only way people could help to Pollution respects no boundary. Partnerships also ­improve the environment. Municipal solid waste levels marked Hong Kong’s dealings with ­Guangdong Partners Against continued to be a problem because so little ­domestic on pollution control. From 2000 onwards, they ­Pollution waste was recovered for recycling as ­compared ­strengthened and deepened their co-operation to commercial and industrial waste. Although the on improving regional air quality and other Pollution control is typically not welcomed by ­2000-05 period did not see the same frantic growth ­cross-­boundary environmental issues. Separately, ­operators. They may be deeply reluctant to change in population and GDP as in previous years, and thus Hong Kong also continued to work with Shenzhen their ways or to make the investments necessary not the same growth in waste loads, it was becoming to implement the Deep Bay Water Pollution Control to reduce their pollution. Enforcement action can more apparent that landfills were getting full. These Joint Implementation Programme and develop a give them a sharp nudge in the right direction, but years would be a time of testing, introducing and ­regional water quality control strategy for Mirs Bay. the EPD ­realised a confrontational approach was ­expanding waste separation and recycling facilities so not always the most effective way to improve the they were within easy reach of everyone’s homes. ­environment. So, in addition to putting in place ­various laws and programmes, it set out to bridge the Commerce and industry had to do their bit, too. gap in ­understanding with industry. They contributed to waste, noise, water and air Formal partnerships have been set up with the construction industry (top left), restaurant (top right) and vehicle repair trades (bottom left), ­pollution in Hong Kong and they were the chief An olive branch was extended in the form of ­formal and property management (bottom right) which frequently attract ­targets of ­complaints from the public. Anti-pollution partnerships with some of the more polluting complaints from the public. measures were proving insufficient on their own to ­industries and businesses. The goal was to ­encourage change ­behaviour, so the Environmental Protection greater compliance with anti-pollution controls by The partnership programme helped to turn things ­Department (EPD) began to reach out to operators offering operators training and support, advice on around for these four industries. By 2005, overall and form partnerships with polluters. These were alternatives to polluting processes and equipment, ­complaints had dropped more than 20 per cent, Representatives of the Shenzhen Environmental Protection Bureau very successful and helped to significantly reduce and the EPD meet to discuss water quality in Mirs Bay in 2001. conferences and sharing sessions, and publications to 24 086, which included a similar drop in ­complaints ­complaints and prosecutions against partners. and campaigns that provided further information. against the partnership sectors (6 017 in 2005 against 7 686 in 2000). Best of all, their convictions The first partnership was launched in 1999 with for ­pollution violations dropped nearly 90 per cent, the construction industry and in early 2000s this from 1 095 in 2000 to 111 in 2005. The achievements ­approach was extended to the restaurant and vehicle prompted a change of name for our enforcement repair trades, and property management. These four arm from the Local Control Division to the sectors attracted 25 per cent of all complaints at a ­Environmental Compliance Division. Operators could time when complaints were rising. From 1997 to 2000 now see plainly that our goal was not to penalise the total number of complaints nearly doubled, from them, but to ­improve the environment by whatever about 14 000 to more than 30 000. means a­ vailable.

Trend of convictions and pollution complaints against the four partnership sectors 1998-2005

Hong Kong faces pressure from mounting waste loads.

52 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 53 Our Industry Partners Partnerships were based on the concept that ­polluters needed to take responsibility for their Successful pollution control is in part about Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong ­pollution. That idea would be extended to the ­communication. ­Operators need to know what ­Institute of Vocational Education to train construction ­general ­public through the polluter pays principle is ­expected of them, while regulators need to staff in environmental management. The EPD worked and waste ­reduction. As the former Secretary for ­understand ­operators’ ­constraints. The EPD with restaurants to trial technologies for controlling the ­Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam, noted ­recognised the value of this process in ­establishing cooking fumes, and with vehicle repair workshops in 2001: "Government actions count for little ­unless partnerships with four key polluting industries: the to control emissions from organic solvents and we engage with the community in achieving a construction industry, restaurants, vehicle ­repair paints. The EPD has also brought together property ­common purpose. Building mutual understanding ­workshops, and property management. These ­managers, residents and renovation contractors to and a shared sense of purpose is fundamental to the ­partnerships have been a forum for exchanging improve understanding on the need to control noise, ­enduring changes in behaviour that are needed to views, sharing information, conducting trials of waste and other problems from renovation work. create a ­better environment for Hong Kong today, new ­equipment and building awareness. Reference and one that we can sustain for the future." guides, videos, websites, ­posters, leaflets and the like The success of these efforts was quite rapid. In 2000 Successful control of pollution requires partnerships between the EPD, the trades and the community. The goal is a healthy and attractive have been produced for each partner, and seminars, when the partnership programmes were launched, the place to live. training workshops, help desks and educational four industries were the subject of 1 095 convictions. ­programmes have been organised. By 2005 the number had plunged to 111. Honouring Green Business Practices Each partnership has also resulted in specific ­initiatives to meet their needs. For instance, with the Hong Kong businesses have often been blamed for construction trade, a task force was set up to reduce pollution, but there is much good that they have waste and courses were organised with the Hong done in trying to improve their ­environmental ­impacts. Operators in four key industries are ­partners with the EPD to control pollution (see Our EPD published information on environmental practices for ­Industry Partners in page 54 for details), while many builders (top 1 to 3) and property ­individual firms have acted on their own to ­contain management (bottom). Ambassadors from the Hong Kong Vehicle Repair their ­impacts. In honour of these ­efforts, the Hong Merchants ­Association Ltd. received certificates to recognise their efforts in ­promoting good green Kong ­Eco-business Awards were launched in 1999 practices among their members. by the EPD, ­Environmental Campaign ­Committee, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Hong Kong ­General ­Chamber of Commerce and Chinese ­ ­General ­Chamber of ­Commerce. The Awards ­recognise ­companies that demonstrate a commitment to Government officials and representatives of the business community ­environmental ­management and hold them up as officiated at the launch of the 2003 Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards. examples for ­others. The categories have ­varied over the years to enable different sectors to be ­recognised. In 2008, the Hong Kong Eco-business Awards were merged with the award programmes that promote waste ­reduction and energy efficiency, to form the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental A machine comprising activated carbon to control the release of harmful solvents and fumes from paint sprayers and ­underwent a ­Excellence (see ­Consolidating Our Messages in page ­successful pilot trial in 2001, is equipped in a garage. 80 for details).

54 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 55 Sewage Solutions The original plan for the harbour was to carry the Undoubtedly, the success of HATS Stage 1 also helped 10 per cent, ammonia had fallen by 30 per cent, and treated effluent by deep sea outfall to the South to convince people of the wisdom of pressing ahead E. coli counts were significantly down in the eastern Water pollution continued to be dominated by the ­China Sea for disposal, but this continued to attract with the project. It was commissioned in 2001 to treat part of the harbour. The rest of HATS will help to debate over the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme ­opposition. An independent international review 75 per cent of Victoria Harbour’s sewage loads at a ­sustain and improve on these gains for all areas of at the turn of the millennium – but not for long. ­panel upheld the approach in 1995, but this did not treatment plant at Stonecutters Island and within a the ­harbour. Within these few short years, a public consensus satisfy people. A second review panel was ­appointed year, dissolved oxygen in Victoria Harbour was up developed on the way forward for cleaning up and in 2000 it reached a different conclusion, Victoria Harbour and some proof was provided ­requiring a different solution. that investing in ­sewerage facilities would, in fact, achieve healthier waters. The second panel suggested the long outfall was not environmentally acceptable and should be replaced with one that exited in the harbour. This would ­require higher treatment to ensure the harbour’s ­waters were kept clean.

The EPD studied the report’s recommendations and came up with four options, which were taken to the public in 2004 for a full-scale, five-month public consultation. This time the general public was more aware and more demanding. Meetings were held with an extensive range of stakeholders and people were invited to make formal submissions. The community’s eventual support for the final outline of HATS – which splits the second stage of the project into two phases and upgrades the treatment level – helped to pave Equipment being set up to monitor Victoria Harbour’s water quality. the way for the project to go ahead.

Changes in dissolved oxygen (mg/L), NH4 (mg/L) and E.coli ­bacteria (cfu/100mL) at 17 stations in the HATS enhanced monitoring ­programme ­between 2001 and 2002.

Launch of the public consultation and education programme on HATS Stage 2 in 2004.

56 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 57 The Policy Framework for the Management of total amount of municipal solid waste generated, A Sustainable Waste ­Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014) laid out more including that which was recovered and landfilled, Management Plan achievable targets, priorities and programmes. The would be reduced by 1 per cent per year. And the recovery target for municipal solid waste (including proportion of that total amount that was landfilled Asking people to pay for sewage services was not the both domestic and commercial/industrial) was set at would drop to 25 per cent. only environmental demand being made of them. 50 per cent by 2014, up from 40 per cent in 2004. The The EPD and concerned green groups and ­community These targets required administrative and ­technical groups were keen to see Hong Kong people adopt solutions. To reduce waste at source, recycling greener living habits and reduce their impacts on the would be brought closer to people’s homes, if environment. A major focus was waste. ­possible to the floor of every apartment building. The types of recyclables collected would expand. Municipal solid waste loads had soared over the An EcoPark would be built to provide ­affordable years, growing by 50 per cent from 1987-2002 even land for the local­ recycling industry, and charges though the population increased by only 20 per would be ­introduced to create an ­economic cent. Only a small portion of domestic waste was ­disincentive against ­throwing away ­reusable and recycled largely because the habit of ­separating recyclable waste. The latter would not happen right recyclable waste at home was yet to take hold away, and not without ­public ­consultation, but the Publicity campaigns have aimed to raise community awareness about and there were not enough outlets for recycled waste reduction and recycling. Policy Framework opened the door for ­producer waste. This ­represented not only a waste of energy ­responsibility schemes that ­involved charges or and ­materials, but also a burden on Hong Kong’s aluminium cans and plastic bottles. A $100 million ­recycling obligations for ­certain kinds of waste, and ­landfills. In 2002 landfills were estimated to have only fund was announced in 2001 to fund community a study of municipal solid waste ­charges. 10-15 years of capacity left, many years fewer than waste reduction and recycling programmes, and pilot The comprehensive Policy Framework for the Management of ­Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014) addresses Hong Kong’s waste originally planned. The increase in municipal solid recycling programmes subsequently were carried problems. waste was one of the reasons. out for rechargeable batteries, computers and waste electrical and electronic equipment. These measures To address the problem, the Government began helped to push the combined rate of domestic and ­promoting waste recycling in the late 1990s by commercial/industrial waste recycling up a little, to ­placing recycling bins in hundreds of housing estates about 36 per cent by 2002, but they still fell far short and around the community to collect waste paper, of expectations. A re-think was needed.

Disposal of municipal solid waste and Population in Hong Kong 1987-2002 Source separation of waste in residential ­buildings (top left); a range of materials that are ­recyclable in Hong Kong (top right); the EcoPark in Tuen Mun, a site for the recycling industry that accepted its first occupants in 2007 (bottom).

Source of population data: The Census and Statistics Department

58 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 59 Technical solutions were needed to achieve the One other way to save landfill space is to reduce to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), further tightening ­target of reducing landfilled waste to 25 per cent ­construction waste loads, which in 2004 made up The Problem of vehicle emission and fuel standards to Euro III and of total waste generation. The Policy Framework 38 per cent of waste at landfills. Arrangements to Air Pollution Euro IV, respectively, introducing the dynamometer ­outlined plans for incineration to reduce the ­volume charge for construction waste were completed in test for smoky vehicles (see Smoky Vehicle ­Spotting of waste, and proposals to extend landfills and 2005 and came into effect in 2006, following years of During the 1990s, the factory fumes that polluted in page 25 for details) and providing grants that ­investigate new sites. Some questioned the need resistance from the construction industry and waste the air in the previous decade drifted away as the ­subsidised the cost of ­emission reduction devices for for more ­landfills, believing waste reduction alone haulers. They would be charged $125 per tonne of ­regulation limiting the sulphur content in industrial old light and heavy diesel commercial vehicles. ­offered the best solution. However, ­sustainable waste waste ­disposed at landfills. This would give the trade fuel came into effect and many factories moved ­management requires all three goals: ­reduction at a strong incentive to recycle and re-use materials, and across the border where costs were cheaper. But source, ­reducing the volume of waste, and ­disposal. reduce their waste. ­vehicle and electricity use continued to rise. These It is nearly ­impossible in modern ­society new challenges called for a change of strategy to to ­completely ­eliminate wast­e, so ­focus more efforts on reducing vehicle emissions on there will always be some ­unavoidable the local front. and ­unrecyclable waste, as well as ash ­remaining after incineration, that Vehicle numbers had grown from 400 000 in 1990 ­requires disposal. Hong Kong will need to 580 000 in 2000 and this had a major impact 500 ­million tonnes of landfill capacity on ­roadside air quality and overall visibility. ­Motor LPG public light buses and LPG taxis are more environment-friendly to meet ­requirements for 2002-2050, of ­vehicles, especially diesel vehicles, were often than those that run on diesel. which it has 100 ­million in existing landfills ­spewing out black smoke and harmful invisible and another 100 million that could be met ­pollutants because of poor maintenance. The smoky From 1999 to 2005, the number of smoky vehicles through landfill extensions. That leaves vehicle control program got many vehicle owners to spotted fell by 80 per cent, from about 38 000 to a 300 ­million tonne shortfall, which will fix their vehicles, but this was not enough to clean up fewer than 7 700. More importantly in terms of health,

need to be sorted out in the near future. Construction waste made up 38 per cent of waste loads in 2004. the air. roadside air quality improved. Respirable suspended particulates (RSP), which were linked to higher disease In 1999, a wide-ranging programme was announced and death rates, were down 18 per cent and nitrogen that brought very encouraging results in the 2000s. It oxides down 21 per cent. Hong Kong Green School Award included switching diesel taxis and public light buses

Schools are in a special position to raise awareness and concern for the environment. While the EPD has Measures and effectiveness in reducing number of smoky vehicles spotted organised programmes for students (see Students Learn and Do in page 47 for details), it also wants to encourage schools to be models of ­environmental management. In 2000 the Hong Kong Green School Award was launched in which participating schools were asked to formulate and implement school environmental policies, to promote ­environmental education, and to cultivate a green culture. The ­expectation is that schools’ green programmes will involve everyone in their community, including

­students, teachers, other staff and parents. Each year Pupils performed a show at the launching ceremony of the Sixth Hong hundreds of pre-schools and primary and secondary Kong Green School Award in 2006. schools participate in the Award.

60 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 61 Annual Trends of Air Pollutants at Roadside Monitoring Stations fuel mix to include nuclear and ­natural gas helped to Good Monitoring Means Better Policies (1999 - 2010) make the difference here, as did new ­pollution control

NOx ­technologies at coal-burning plants. The ­Government Hong Kong’s environmental policies are grounded in ) 3 NO2 RSP ) also began looking at how Hong Kong could sound scientific evidence that comes from extensive 3 SO2 make more efficient use of its energy – and ­reduce monitoring networks and a determination to adhere ­greenhouse gas emissions – and in 2000-05 ­began to the highest standards in data collection. encouraging people to maintain ­air-conditioning , RSP Annual Averages (µg/m Annual Averages RSP ,

2 ­temperatures at 25.5 degrees Celsius (it set an example Senior Environmental Protection Officer Dr Peter NOx Annual Averages (µg/m Averages NOx Annual , NO , 2 by adopting this norm for Government ­offices). Louie Kwok-keung has been part of the air ­quality SO ­monitoring team since 1996. The programme has Year Apart from improving local air quality, these evolved from having only four stations in the early EPD staff members carry out certification of the gas working standard ­measures also had a positive impact in reducing years, from which data was collected ­manually (left) and calibration work (right) in EPD's Air Service Laboratory as part of quality assurance procedures. RSP levels were also down in terms of general air Hong Kong’s contributions to regional air ­pollution. every few days, to 14 stations today that offer ­quality, which was measured away from vehicles. In April 2002, Hong Kong reached a consensus with minute-by-minute readings of pollutants in the air. Dr Louie is also the co-ordinator of the Regional Air However, ozone (which is a major constituent of Guangdong to jointly reduce emissions of four ­major Quality Monitoring Network that was launched in smog), the formation of which could be attributed air ­pollutants – sulphur dioxide, nitrogen ­oxides, 2006 with Guangdong and has become ­well-known to volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides ­respirable ­suspended particulates and volatile throughout China for its success in combining emissions from places afar, increased and in the eyes ­organic ­compounds – by between 20 and 55 per the ­resources of two administrations. "Our data is of the public, this eclipsed the improvements being cent by 2010, using 1997 as the base year. The two ­comparable because we share common quality made. People could still see air pollution, in fact it sides also ­drafted the Pearl River Delta Regional Air ­assurance and quality control systems. This ­facilitates was more visible than before, and it was difficult to Quality ­Management Plan to help them achieve their transparency and communication, so we can be in a ask them to distinguish the progress being made by emission reduction targets, focusing on controlling better position to gauge if our measures are ­effective." ­different pollutants. emissions from major emission sources such as power plants, vehicles and polluting industrial processes. A The EPD monitors both roadside (left) and ambient (right) air quality. Overall, he says, "we provide a scientific basis that The smog also overshadowed real improvements in joint Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring "A major goal for us has been quality. All the data enables decision makers and lawmakers to make ­reducing pollution from power plants. From ­1990-2000 Network was launched in November 2005 together we report meets very stringent, internationally-­ ­fruitful decisions about how to improve Hong Kong’s emissions fell by 45 per cent even though electricity with a Regional Air Quality Index to enable both recognised standards in regard to quality assurance air quality". consumption increased by 54 per cent. A change in ­administrations and the public to monitor air quality and quality control. This is important because our across the PRD region. data supports policy formulation and demonstrates Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network to the public and transport sector what air pollution control measures are working and what more needs to be done," he says.

"A major goal for us has been quality. All the data we report meets very stringent, internationally-recognised standards in regard to ­quality assurance and quality control."

- Dr Peter Louie Kwok-keung

The flue gas desulphurisation unit installed at Lamma power station reduces sulphur dioxide emissions from the coal-burning plants.

62 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 63 proved to be a win-win situation because it averts energy policy-making and sustainable development Seeking a Wider ­under an Environment Bureau, but the expansion of ­environmental problems and the risk that projects The Government released a Consensus will be held back by last-minute objections. The the Government’s environment vision started here. First Sustainable Development Hong Kong public is thus able to help shape the city’s ­Environmental protection was no longer confined ­Strategy for Hong Kong in 2005 to set out strategic directions and As much as the EPD wanted everybody in society to physical ­development. to localised pollution that had to be cleaned up plans of ­action for solid waste adopt greener habits, it also wanted their input on its ­after the fact. Rather, pollution would be tackled at management, renewable energy and urban living space. proposed programmes and policies. Securing an early source and everyone in the community would have consensus on environmental measures would go a a role to play in protecting the natural, as well as the long way to ensuring these initiatives succeeded. built, e­ nvironment.

Visual Aids

One of the key goals in environmental ­assessment pinpointed to see how they will be affected. Users and planning is to engage the community’s can walk, fly and drive through the 3-D site and look Environmental impact assessment information and public input on ­participation. Their feedback and input can help to at the impacts from every angle, leaving little room ­development proposals are readily accessible through innovative uses identify and avert problems at the early stage. In for misunderstanding. of new technology. the past, this could be a challenge because much The public was also encouraged to help define and of the ­two-­dimensional nature of information in implement sustainability objectives through the ­environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, ­activities of the Council for Sustainable ­Development. which can be difficult for people to comprehend Dr Sarah Liao, then-Secretary for the Environment, Transport and and visualise. That started to improve in 2004 when Works (right), and Mr Rob Law, then-Director of Environmental The Council was established in 2003 to advise the ­Protection (left), launch the public consultation on HATS Stage 2 Government on priority sustainable ­development 3-dimensional visualisation tools were introduced to in 2004. ­issues with the benefit of a bottom-up, open, improve understanding. Public consultation was one way of achieving this inclusive­ and stakeholder-led engagement model goal. Several major initiatives were put out for for gauging public opinion. It used this approach to One of the first uses of a 3-D tool was in a public ­consultation during 2000-05, including the future of achieve public consensus on such sustainability issues consultation on the Kwai Tsing Revitalisation Project, HATS and proposed controls on products containing as renewable energy, solid waste management, and where people were shown the images and asked to volatile organic compounds, which pollute the air. urban living space, and formulated recommendations comment through interactive electronic whiteboards. People were asked for their views on the proposals for the Government’s consideration and action. The approach resulted in a well-informed discussion and what issues they were concerned about. This of the options. 3-D tools have since become parts ­approach was very effective, particularly in ­resolving The impetus to reach outward to the community and of the EIAs of major projects, such as the landfill the future of HATS which had been the subject of to our neighbours led to a re-structuring of the EPD ­extensions, and the numbers are sufficiently large dispute for years. Public consultations would become that better reflected the broader scope of its work. In that a web-based library of 3-D EIAs was created more common in future. 2005, the EPD merged with the Environment Branch in 2008. of the Environment, Works and Transport Bureau, Consensus was also sought in the ­environmental taking away layers that separated ­policy-making 3-D technology has also been used to map the impact assessment process. A key development here and programme implementation. Two new ­divisions ­effects of noise. Different configurations of proposed was the adoption of continuous public ­engagement, were set up, one focused on conservation (­including projects can be input to show, in a visual format, the nature and energy conservation), the other on potential noise impacts. The technology is advanced which invites people to give on-going input to 3-D models of Sha Tin Road show noise levels at different heights projects starting at the design stage, so ­issues ­cross-­boundary and international affairs. There enough that specific buildings and even flats can be ­without noise barrier protection (top), and with noise barrier can be raised and addressed early on. This has would be further changes in 2007 to incorporate ­protection (bottom).

64 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 Chapter 4 - New Partners, New Perspectives, 2000-2005 65 Chapter 5 Thinking Globally, 2006-2010

"The environment is a complex system. There are no magic bullets, no quick fixes, and certainly no Mandatory energy efficiency labelling wasi ­ntroduced These measures were linked to the Government’s easy laws that can quickly solve environmental problems. It is imperative that we set our goals before for certain products so people could take into environmental policy-making under the new ­account energy efficiency performance when ­making ­Environment Bureau (see Appendix in page 104 for it is too late and work relentlessly to achieve them. Whilst the Government will work proactively to ­purchases, and awareness programmes were stepped details), which was created in 2007 to integrate and achieve these goals, success hinges on the recognition and participation of the community." up to show people the different ways in which they oversee energy and environmental ­policy-making. – The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang. could save energy in their daily lives. The Building The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) Energy Efficiency Codes also became mandatory for came under its ambit. Apart from introducing new and ­existing buildings, requiring builders and ­labelling and the Building Energy Efficiency Codes, r Tsang spoke those words in 2006, ­echoing launched in 2005, brought recovery facilities closer building managers to make their structures more the ENB also negotiated with the power companies Ma recurring theme of the Government’s to people’s homes and expanded the types of ­energy-efficient. to make ­emission control a condition under the ­environmental protection programme. This time, ­recyclables collected. These simple but ­essential Scheme of Control Agreements that determined the though, the Government was not only asking the measures had a deep impact: from 2004-10, ­permitted rate of return. community to do its share, it was starting to provide ­domestic recycling grew from 14 per cent of total them with the means to do so. ­domestic waste loads to 40 per cent. The momentum in reducing municipal solid waste was evidently Waste reduction and recovery, for example, had ­building up. ­become easy and achievable for most households. The Programme on Source Separation of Waste, Domestic waste recovery rate 2004 - 2010

Refuse storage and material recovery rooms facilitate waste Energy efficiency labels for refrigerating appliances (left), room air-conditioners (centre), and compact fluorescent lamps (right) became ­separation and recovery in residential buildings. ­mandatory in November 2009.

66 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 67 This period also saw the governments of ­Guangdong Locally, Hong Kong marked a special achievement and Hong Kong build on past achievements and in water quality in 2010, when all 41 of its gazetted strive to enhance environmental co-operation ­bathing beaches met health-based water quality ­further. Mr Tsang proposed in 2008 that Hong Kong ­objectives (WQOs), the first time this has happened and ­Guangdong set out a joint vision to transform since measurements began in 1986. Years of effort the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region into a "green had paid off. The hope is that a similar outcome will and quality living area" – a cluster of low-carbon, soon be seen for the rest of our environment. ­high-technology, low-pollution cities that offers a quality lifestyle for the people living here.

Progress meanwhile was made towards achieving the joint air pollution emission reduction targets agreed in 2002. This has been implemented through the 2003

PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan by both Hong Kong and Guangdong signed 8 agreements on co-operation and exchange in 2009, including one on environmental protection, at Hong Kong and Guangdong, and resulted in each a ­ceremony led by Mr Donald Tsang, the Chief Executive (centre right), and Mr Huang Huahua, the Governor of Guangdong Province (centre left). side reporting lower levels of regional air pollution from 2006 to 2010. Both sides have also continued to Power plants on both sides of the boundary are contributors to co-operate in tackling regional water quality. ­regional air pollution. 30 ­improvement measures, including energy ­enterprises in the Mainland, and to ­apply for ­company ­conservation solutions that resulted in direct cost ­qualifications to ­operate environmental ­pollution ­savings and actions to reduce our VOC (volatile control facilities in Guangdong­ . Promoting Cleaner Production Technologies in the ­organic compounds) emissions," he says.

PRD Region "The greatest contribution to our factory, though, is that Many thousands of factories in Guangdong are mineral products, printing and publishing, paper and the programme has raised the green ­consciousness of owned by Hong Kong people. The Hong Kong and paper product manufacturing, and textiles. our entire workforce. We now have a sound ­foundation Guangdong governments therefore have started for promoting ­environmental ­protection." working directly with the owners of these factories to The Hong Kong Government has provided more promote greener, cleaner practices and technologies, than $93 million to promote awareness and ­subsidise There are currently 90 local providers of while at the same time promoting the development ­factories for on-site assessments, demonstration ­environmental technology services under the of the environmental technology industry. projects and verification of the effectiveness of Cleaner ­Production Partnership Programme to ­improvement projects. In 2009, the programme ­assist ­factories in ­adopting cleaner production. The five-year Cleaner Production Partnership also got a boost when Hong Kong and Guangdong In ­addition, the ­Mainland and Hong Kong Closer ­Programme was launched in 2008 to provide jointly launched the Cleaner Production Partners ­Economic ­Partnership ­Arrangement allows Hong ­professional advice and technical support to Hong ­Recognition Scheme. Kong-based service suppliers to set up ­wholly-owned Kong-owned factories in the Pearl River Delta ­region. It facilitates and encourages the adoption of cleaner Among the first batch of partners was Golden "The factory has reduced annual consumption of thinner by 80 000 production technologies and practices so as to Cup Printing Company Limited, chaired by Mr ­litres, cut down VOC emissions by 63 tonnes and saved HK$350,000 by ­switching from the conventional solvent-based glue to a water-based ­reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency, Yeung Kam-kai, who is also chairman of the Hong adhesive for the laminating process." and thereby contribute to improving the regional Kong Printers Association. ­environment. The programme focuses on eight - Mr Yeung Kam-kai, Chairman, ­industries – ­chemical products, food and beverage, "With the help of the Cleaner Production ­Partnership Golden Cup Printing Co Ltd; furniture, metal and metal products, non-metallic Programme, we have put in place more than Chairman of the Hong Kong Printers Association

68 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 69 The Air We Breathe Progress in emission reductions in Hong Kong in 2009 Overall, the improvements in air quality were an Emissions from power plants 2010 Emission Reduction achievement gained through strident efforts and and other sources were also Change in Emission Level Air Pollutant targets with respect to during 1997-2009 Air quality in Hong Kong continued to stir emotional 1997 emission levels ­investments. The Government gave ­priority to the subject of Government

debate during 2006-10. Many commentators and SO2 -40% -24% ­reducing vehicle emissions and in 2006 ­injected action. A law was amended ordinary citizens complained that the air was getting NOx -20% -32% ­another $3.2 billion into the vehicle control to enable caps to be placed worse, but the situation was not as straightforward as RSP -55% -57% ­programme that had been launched in 1999. The new on annual emissions from it looked. The concentrations of a few smog-related VOC -55% -58% funds covered grants to switch tens of ­thousands the power plants, and the pollutants had indeed increased, but levels of most of older commercial vehicles to cleaner Euro IV sulphur content of ­industrial

major pollutants actually dropped. Seeing was not targets, ­although SO2 emissions were higher than ones, and thus take more smoke-spewing vehicles fuel was further tightened. necessarily believing. desired in 2009. This is being remedied with the off the road. Reduction in first registration tax was Controls on VOC which, ­emission ­reduction facilities on coal-fired units at offered to vehicle buyers to encourage the use of as mentioned, ­contribute Air quality across the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region Hong Kong’s power plants phasing in their operation ­environment-friendly vehicles. Motor diesel and to the formation of smog, were implemented to improved significantly as a result of the emission since 2009. ­petrol standards were tightened to Euro V standards. ­prevent fugitive emissions escaping from petrol ­reduction efforts undertaken by Guangdong and The Government also began testing electric vehicles ­filling ­stations and delivery vehicles, and to limit their Hong Kong. Between 2006 and 2010, air quality The situation at local roadsides also improved as ­levels and set up a $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund ­levels in ­certain products such as paints, printing inks,

­monitoring results for the PRD region showed that of RSP, SO2 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) dropped by to encourage the transport sector to test green and ­adhesives, hairsprays and insecticides. the average annual concentrations of sulphur ­dioxide 30 to 63 per cent between 1999 and 2010. ­However, low-carbon transport technology.

(SO2) fell by 47 per cent, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by roadside NO2 levels increased by about 18 per cent.

7 per cent, and respirable suspended particulates When NOx reacts under sunlight with ­volatile organic (RSP) by 14 per cent. These reductions occurred compounds (VOC), it creates smog which comprises despite continuing economic growth in the region ozone and fine particulates. Regional levels of ozone ­throughout this period. grew by 10 per cent from 2006 to 2010, reflecting more occurrences of smoggy days. Public concern Hong Kong contributed to these achievements by about this problem was reflected in the 2007 public working towards its own set targets and made very engagement process on Better Air Quality by the

good progress in reducing the emissions of RSP, NOx Council for Sustainable Development, which attracted and ­volatile organic compounds (VOC) to below the more than 80 000 submissions.

Air quality trends in Hong Kong 1999-2010

Pollutant Annual averages of air pollutant concentrations (µg/m³)

52 45 RSP 91 60

57 52 NO2 117 99

94 114 NOx 452 318

18 12 SO2 27 10

34 39 O3 # 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 Year General Roadside # O3 (Ozone) is not measured at roadsides because of very low concentrations Pre-Euro and Euro I diesel commercial vehicles emit more air pollutants than the Euro IV models.

70 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 71 Energy Wise The energy policy also Achieving these targets will require not only ­emission install ­energy-efficiency ­fixtures. ­dovetails with Hong Kong’s controls at power plants, but also more efficient use On top of ­improving our energy The cap on power plant emissions demonstrated commitment to ­contribute to of energy across the city. Measures introduced from performance, these ­demands will the connections between energy policy and the global ­efforts in ­combating 2008 have made it mandatory for certain ­products to offer ­business ­opportunities by ­environment. The two policy areas were combined climate change. Concerns carry energy-efficiency labels, such as air-­conditioners opening up the ­market for green under the new Environment Bureau in 2007 to help about global warming and refrigerators. New buildings also have to meet ­products, which can ­ultimately achieve the Government’s energy policy ­objective and climate change have mandatory Building Energy ­Efficiency Codes, a benefit the Hong Kong economy. of ensuring reliable, safe and efficient energy ­intensified across the planet. ­requirement that has been backed up with $450 ­supplies at reasonable prices, while minimising the Hong Kong is determined ­million in ­funding ­support to help private ­building The $450 million Building Energy ­environmental impact caused by the production and to fulfil its ­responsibilities. owners ­undertake energy-cum-carbon audits and Efficiency Funding Schemes was use of energy. It earlier subscribed to launched in April 2009. the Sydney APEC ­Leaders’ There were sound environmental reasons for ­linking ­Declaration on Climate the two areas. Electricity generation is the ­largest Change, Energy Security source of air pollution in Hong Kong and an ­inventory and Clean Development, in which leaders of APEC Sustainable Buildings in 2009 showed it accounted for 92 per cent of ­economies pledged to reduce energy intensity by SO2, 45 per cent of NOx and 31 per cent of RSP. Air at least 25 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level. Buildings account for 90 per cent of electricity use in waste produced by users of buildings. The Building ­quality therefore became one of the considerations ­Furthermore, in the public consultation on Hong Hong Kong and at least 60 per cent of greenhouse Regulations were amended in 2008 to make refuse in ­negotiations over the power companies’ Scheme Kong’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Agenda gas emissions. If they can be built and operated more storage and material recovery rooms mandatory on of Control Agreements (SCA). Under the SCA, the held in late 2010, the Government proposes to ­reduce efficiently, then Hong Kong could substantially reduce each floor of new domestic premises. These­m easures, ­permitted rate of return of power companies is linked the city’s carbon intensity by 50-60 per cent by its contributions to climate change. together with improved energy efficiency, will help to their emission performance based on emission 2020 with reference to 2005 level. Carbon intensity to make Hong Kong’s dramatic high-rise architecture caps set by the EPD. If they exceed the caps, the ­measures the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions In recent years several initiatives have been much greener in coming years. agreed penalty will be a reduction in the return for all per dollar of GDP. ­introduced to make buildings more energy efficient. non-renewable energy fixed assets. New buildings will have to meet mandatory energy efficiency standards for lighting, air-conditioning, and electrical, lift and escalator installations. ­Tighter Breakdown of sources of air pollution in Hong Kong in 2009 thermal standards and green roofing are also ­being introduced. The Government has set up a $450 ­million fund to help building owners and ­managers reduce their carbon footprint. And ­preparations are underway to introduce a district cooling system that achieves better performance and more ­environmental efficiency than regular air-conditioners.

Waste is another way in which buildings have an ­impact on the environment. Construction waste charges have helped to encourage more recycling

and re-use of inert materials produced during A guidebook for floor based source separation of waste in ­construction, demolition and renovation. Source residential buildings. SO2 NOx RSP VOC Air Pollutant ­separation of waste programmes help to reduce

72 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 73 Waste: Still a Challenge The expansion helped to substantially reduce The Government also wanted them to produce less To help save landfill space further, the Government waste loads. From 2004 to 2010, domestic waste waste in the first place. In line with the polluter pays plans to develop the Integrated Waste Management Air pollution and energy use were moving in the disposal fell by about 13 per cent, while the portion of principle, the first mandatory producer ­responsibility Facilities which will adopt advanced waste-to-energy right direction by 2011, even if they had not yet met waste ­recovered for re-use and recycling grew from scheme was introduced for plastic shopping bags technology to incinerate waste and reduce its bulk. their targets. Similar progress had also been made in 14 per cent to 40 per cent. More people were willing in 2009. Producer responsibility schemes require As an added bonus, this would provide a renewable waste management, although the future programme to r­ecycle their waste if they had the means to do so. ­different stakeholders (such as manufacturers, source of energy. Stakeholders have been consulted looked rather less clear-cut. Landfills were still under ­importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers) to on possible options, and environmental impact pressure and running out of space, and there was an share in the responsibility for ­collecting, ­recycling, ­assessments of two likely sites have been released for Domestic waste disposed of at landfills 2004-2010 urgent need to solve this problem. treating and disposing of waste. In the case of public inspection. There will undoubtedly be hard plastic shopping bags, retailers collect a 50-cent work ahead to forge a public consensus on the ­siting The Policy Framework for the Management of ­environmental levy for every plastic carrier bag of the facilities, but Hong Kong has little choice. We ­Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014), which outlined they distribute to customers. That scheme has been need to build waste treatment facilities and ­extend solutions, made strong advances in reducing waste ­successful in encouraging people to bring their own our landfills, or risk having rubbish piling up in loads and implementing the polluter pays principle. A reusable bags and the Government is now developing the streets. programme to bring waste separation facilities closer a second mandatory producer responsibility scheme, to people’s homes – ideally to each floor of ­residential for waste electrical and electronic equipment. blocks or at least to each block – expanded rapidly. From a pilot programme of 13 housing estates in All of this good news still does not solve Hong Kong’s 2004, it grew to more than 1 600 estates in 2010, waste crisis. Landfills are imminently ­approaching reaching 80 per cent of the population. ­capacity and the Policy Framework proposes ­extending the current landfills to provide additional capacity. Hong Kong does not have a lot of spare land and there has been resistance in some cases to the proposed landfill extensions. Nonetheless, waste cannot be sustainably managed without sufficient This map shows the two likely sites for the proposed Integrated Waste disposal outlets. Management Facilities: Shek Kwu Chau and Tsang Tsui Ash Lagoons.

This schematic diagram shows the waste management strategies to be implemented for reducing Hong Kong waste loads in 2005-2014. A 50-cent environmental levy on plastic shopping bags was ­introduced in 2009.

74 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 75 Maintaining Momentum Hong Kong’s shores. However, independent reviews households – were no longer enough to cover the of HATS and a public consultation concluded this operating cost of new systems, in particular Stage Air quality and energy and waste management will was not ­acceptable. The effluents are instead being 2A. ­Increases were thus proposed to adhere to the require some uphill work ahead, but it is hoped they discharged near Stonecutters Island, which has raised ­polluter pays principle and they were generally can follow the example set by some of the EPD’s pollution levels in the western part of the harbour ­accepted by the community. other programme areas. Water pollution, for instance, (including seven beaches in Tsuen Wan) against underwent years of debate and discussion, but it is ­improved water quality in the rest of the harbour. According to our plan, the average monthly ­sewage now an environmental success story. In 2010 a special ­Disinfection helps to remedy that situation. charge for each household is gradually being milestone was reached when all 41 of Hong Kong’s ­increased from $11 in 2007-08 to $27 by 2017-18, gazetted beaches met water quality objectives for However, more sustainable water quality in the which is still very affordable when compared with the first time since EPD’s beach water ratings began in ­harbour will depend on completing Stage 2 of HATS, the charging level in other major cities of developed 1986. That means people can feel at ease swimming which has been divided into two parts. Stage 2A will economies. The Trade Effluent Surcharges for ­several at all open beaches. be finished by 2014 and treat the remaining sewage trades and industries, including the restaurants from the harbour catchment area. Stage 2B will offer trade, have also been reduced since August 2008 in a higher level of treatment and meet demand from light of the efforts by business operators to render future population growth. Stage 2B is undergoing their discharges cleaner over the years. In addition cost, feasibility and environmental investigations, and to ­local efforts to improve water quality, the EPD The Deep Bay water quality model grid provides valuable data for the the Government will carefully consider its timing and ­continues to collaborate closely with the Guangdong Hong Kong-Guangdong joint study on water quality management of treatment technologies. and ­Shenzhen authorities to focus on regional water the Pearl River Estuary. ­quality management in the Pearl River Estuary, Deep Harbour Area Treatment Scheme – Stages 1 and 2A Bay and Mirs Bay.

Nature Conservation

The completion of HATS will mean development on both sides of The improvements were possible in part ­because ­Victoria Harbour receives proper sewage treatment and harbour ­water quality is adequately protected. of Advance Disinfection Facilities that were ­commissioned in early 2010 to add an extra step in Implementation of HATS has been entwined with effluent treatment and solve an existing problem. the polluter pays principle, which was brought into Stage 1 of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme effect in 1995 when sewage charges were introduced Apart from addressing pollution problems, the ­Environment Bureau and EPD are also committed to protecting Hong Kong’s natural environment. More than 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s land is designated as country park and has statutory protection. In addition, we launched Management (HATS), which treats 75 per cent of Victoria ­Harbour’s for the public to share the operating cost of sewage Agreements (MA) in 2004 to support the conservation of ecologically sensitive sites under private ownership. The MA projects are run by non-profit ­sewage, was designed to offer a lower level of ­services. The subsequent substantial upgrading of organisations in co-operation with landowners, who receive financial incentives from the Environment and Conservation Fund. Pilot MA projects began operating on two sites, in Long ­Valley (left) and Fung Yuen (right), in 2005 and achieved ­encouraging results in conserving birds, butterflies ­treatment because it was expected the effluents Hong Kong’s sewerage infrastructure meant these and other fauna and flora in the area. would be ­disposed of by deep sea outfall far from modest charges – a few dollars a month for most

76 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 77 Apart from water pollution, there have also been ­consultation on HATS, public input to the EIA ­process, ­notable success stories in environmental impact and partnership action in improving compliance. ­assessment and planning and partnerships with Public engagement became a much more frequent ­polluters, as described in earlier chapters. Since 1998 feature in environmental policy-making in 2006-10 people and the environment have been protected and was carried out on issues including air quality from potentially unacceptable impacts through improvement, Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme, air ­planning measures and the environmental impact quality objectives, Building Energy Efficiency Codes, ­assessment (EIA) process. Partnerships, meanwhile, waste facilities, plastic shopping bag charges, waste have helped to improve environmental compliance by electrical and electronic equipment ­management, the construction industry, restaurants, vehicle ­repair water ­quality objectives, traffic noise solutions,

workshops and property management. ­Outreach idling engines and climate change. The next step Members of the public are invited to share their views at the "Air Representatives from trade and industry attend a seminar on to other industries has also been strengthened in in this process of ­involvement takes its cue from ­Summit" organised during the Better Air Quality Engagement Process the ­Facilitation of Business organised by the EPD to improve ­recent years. the ­approach used in the partnership programme. in 2008. ­environmental compliance. It is not enough to tell people what the problems These programmes all involve varying degrees are, they must be engaged in their daily activities in of stakeholder involvement, such as the public achieving solutions. Green Group Contributions

Green groups have played a special role in ­furthering environmental protection in Hong Kong. They were the first major force outside the ­Government Historical Background to call the community’s attention to the ­problems of ­pollution, particularly from the late 1980s ­onwards. They have been very active in raising The polygonal Edwardian - Style Signal awareness, ­introducing recycling programmes and Hill Tower was erected in 1907 to house ­demonstrating to people that it is feasible to live a the time-ball apparatus. It helped bring greener life in Hong Kong’s compact environment. a western standard of time to Chinese society that used the traditional timing The green groups have also offered useful feedback system. and ideas on environmental improvement through their involvement in committees such as the ­Advisory Council on the Environment and their periodic ­meetings with the EPD. They also have partnered Man-made wetland for ecological with the EPD and Environment Bureau on specific compensation arising from EIA process projects, such as operating Environmental Resource (First of its kind in Asia) Centres and implementing Management Agreements - Habitat compensation for nature conservation, both of which tap into their Supported by the Sustainable Development Fund, the Friends of the expertise in these areas. While they maintain views Earth implemented a 14-month project "Dim it! Lights out 6.21" in 2009 - Buffer from urban development to educate people about the severity of light pollution in Hong Kong. - Storm water treatment that are quite independent of the Government’s, they - Education purposes share our goal of improving the environment and ­encouraging everyone in the community to adopt more sustainable living habits. EIAs help to preserve historically important buildings and the natural environment.

78 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 79 Those obligations are underpinned by Hong These aims were outlined in the public consultation Our Global Kong’s participation in international forums. The on Hong Kong’s Climate Change Strategy and ­Action Responsibility ­Secretary for the Environment represented Hong Agenda in late 2010. The consultation document Kong as a ­member of the China delegation at the cited evidence on how Hong Kong could be affected Around the time the EPD was formed, a phrase United ­Nations Climate Change Conferences in by ­climate change in this century. To mitigate the ­became popular in the green movement: think ­Copenhagen and ­Cancun, where the international problem and minimise the city’s greenhouse gas ­globally, act locally. This could well apply to the ­community ­discussed the possibility of collective emissions, the Government proposes to reduce Hong ­Government’s environmental policy direction over ­efforts in ­tackling climate change. Hong Kong is also a Kong’s carbon intensity by 50-60 per cent by 2020, as the past five years. The public has become more ­member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, mentioned above. This will be achieved by pursuing a knowledgeable about the impacts of climate change a ­partnership of major cities around the world that low-carbon path for the city that includes ­maximising and their own contributions through energy use are working to reduce carbon emissions through energy and building efficiency, greening road (From left to right) Mr Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, and wastefulness. The EPD has tapped into that Mr Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York, Mr David Miller, Chair ­collaborative actions. And, as mentioned above, ­transport, promoting the use of clean fuels for motor ­understanding by introducing policies that ­encourage of C40 and Mayor of Toronto, and Mr Amos Masondo, Mayor of Hong Kong subscribed to the Sydney APEC ­Leaders’ vehicles, turning waste to energy and revamping the ­Johannesburg, hold a roundtable discussion at the C40 Hong Kong ­people to act locally in order to meet their obligations Workshop in ­November 2010. Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security fuel mix for electricity generation. to the region and the planet. and Clean Development and pledged to reduce its energy intensity.

Consolidating Our Messages

The EPD has operated numerous programmes over A similar goal of consolidation was behind the the years to raise awareness, promote green practices ­establishment of the Hong Kong Awards for Hong Kong’s greenhouse gas emission trends 1990-2008 and recognise green efforts in the community. Most ­Environmental Excellence in 2008. This brought -e)

of these efforts have concentrated on single issues, ­together the Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards (see 2 such as waste reduction or air quality, but in recent Honouring Green Business Practices in page 55 for years a more holistic approach has been taken to ­details), Wastewi$e Scheme and Hong Kong Energy ­encourage people to look at their cumulative impacts. Efficiency Awards under one umbrella. The new awards scheme is sharper and enjoys a higher profile, The "I Love Hong Kong! I and aims to ­encourage businesses and organisations Love Green!" campaign was to adopt green management and green ­innovations launched in 2007 to ­encourage and to benchmark themselves against the best people to live greener lives ­practices of their peers. by adopting simple changes to their ­commuting, ­dressing, eating and living habits,

such as bringing their own CO emissions (in kilotonnes gas Greenhouse ­shopping bags, separating Year waste, not wasting food and setting air-conditioners at an energy-saving temperature. Green messages are Legend: Electricity Generation Transport Waste Others now continued to be disseminated with various foci,

which help to relate environmental protection more The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang (centre), and ­representatives closely to people’s daily living. of the Joint Organisers of HKAEE posed at the Awards ­Presentation ­Ceremony in 2009.

80 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 81 Global obligations also come in the form of ­protection ordinance, the Hazardous Chemicals ­international conventions, such as the Rotterdam Control ­Ordinance, came into force to regulate the ­Convention and the Stockholm Convention on ­manufacture, export, import and use of chemicals ­Persistent Organic Pollutants, that are ­applicable that are not pesticides and have potentially harmful to Hong Kong. In 2008, a new ­environmental effects on human health or the environment.

Time Waits for No One Explorer Dr Rebecca Lee was the first Hong Kong "When I started out, nobody listened. They thought ­person and the first woman to visit the Earth’s global warming was unreal, and it was too far away. three extremities – the North and South Poles and Now, everybody knows about it. This is what has At the Launching Conference of China's National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention in Beijing in July 2007, an EPD representative (right) gives a presentation on Hong Kong’s efforts . Mount Everest. Her expedition gave her insights to changed," she says. the threats facing the planet and motivated her to The solid achievements of the past 25 years, the Every individual needs to take action through wiser ­educate others about global warming. "I encourage people to save energy and have a low ­Government’s planned programmes on climate energy use and less wastefulness to help establish carbon lifestyle. It’s never too late to begin, you just change, air quality, water quality, energy and waste Hong Kong on a sustainable path. The situation is not Dr Lee spends most of her time now raising the have to do it. Young people should start now no management for the coming decade, and the so much that the ball is in the public’s court, but that awareness about global warming and inspiring ­matter how small our effort may be. If we wait, it will ­continued commitment to regional co-operation the public is now in the court where the ball is being people to take action, especially young people. She cost us even more in future, so the earlier we act, the and industry partnerships, offer a basis for ­continued played. People can no longer be bystanders watching helped to arrange for a group of youths to travel better. And we need to make it a habit. Young people progress in slowing down and even reversing the the game of environmental protection being played to Antarctica and share what they saw with others. can also teach the older ones about this." damage to the environment. But this cannot be between governments, or between governments and ­During a trip to that continent about 20 years ago, achieved through Government policy alone, or even industry. We are all now expected to join the team. Dr Lee witnessed the cracking of ice – a sign that the by Government and industry alone. A winning situation will only be achieved if everyone planet was warming up – and came back ­determined plays the game. to ring the alarm.

"I encourage people to save energy and have a low carbon lifestyle. It’s never too late to begin, you just have to do it. Young people should start now no matter how small our effort may be."

- Dr Rebecca Lee

The public participate in tree planting and protecting the environment.

82 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 Chapter 5 - Thinking Globally, 2006-2010 83 Chapter 6 A Journey, Not A Destination

he Environmental Protection Department issue that few people could be bothered with. The pay their share as polluters. Many businesses faced even here, some of them are exploring how they can T(EPD) has made remarkable headway in change in attitude was a slow and hard-fought up to this ­reality some time ago, in part because do more to ­reduce their impacts and be an example 25 years in ­improving Hong Kong’s environment and achievement for the EPD, green groups and other new ­pollution ­controls gave them little choice. But to others. ­protecting people’s health. The beaches are now safe interested parties who, through trial and error, found for ­swimming. The sea waters are safe for marine ways to communicate environmental awareness to life. ­Rivers and streams are no longer choked with all sectors of the community and to get people to ­livestock waste. The air on certain measures is now do more to reduce their impacts. This task will be a The Value of Public Engagement cleaner. Waste is ­managed in an environmentally- ­never-ending one as new generations come along Prof Lam Kin-che has followed closely the growth ­major changes such as the air quality objectives. acceptable manner. The city is substantially less noisy. and new types of impacts arise, but there is now in public engagement on environmental ­issues. I have chaired some of the forums ­seeking views And many potentially harmful problems have been an established force in Hong Kong for cultivating From 1994 to 2009, he was involved with the and I have seen that it is ­essential to get input from avoided through careful planning and assessment. ­greener lifestyles. ­Government-appointed Advisory Council on ­major ­stakeholders. This is because ­environmental the Environment (ACE), including seven years as issues are inherently controversial – they go beyond That is a long and proud list of achievements and The community has responded to these efforts with ­chairman. Two developments stood out for him: the debates­ on facts, and questions of yes or no, to touch it has been developed through the sustained a deepening green consciousness. People complain ­Environmental Impact ­Assessment Ordinance, which on ­people’s value systems. And different ­stakeholders ­commitment of many people. The EPD’s staff have much more about pollution today than they did in came into effect in 1998 with a goal of ­promoting have ­different priorities and values. demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the 1986 and that is a good thing – it shows they are transparency and ­inviting public input, and the environment even if, at times, they faced ­scepticism, ­concerned about the state of their environment. ­expansion of public consultations on ­environmental "Public participation helps to ­improve the quality of anger and resistance to their plans. Back in 1986, They are also participating more in recycling issues in recent years. decisions made. By having people’s input, it makes ­environmental protection was considered a fringe ­programmes and showing more willingness to help policies more acceptable to the public," he says. "Public participation is one of the key features of the environmental policy-making process in Hong In addition to his involvement with ACE, Prof Lam is a Kong. Increasingly over the last few years, the EPD member of the Council for Sustainable Development has ­consulted the public on major or potentially which has public engagement at the heart of its work.

"Environmental issues are inherently controversial – they go beyond ­debates on facts, and questions of yes or no, to touch on people’s value systems. And differents­ takeholders have different priorities and values."

- Prof Lam Kin-che A site discussion on connecting village sewerage to a public sewer Children participate in a community activity. involves a residents’ representative, Cheung Chau District Councillor and staff from relevant government departments.

84 Chapter 6 - A Journey, Not A Destination Chapter 6 - A Journey, Not A Destination 85 The widening concern for the ­environment is ­reflected come to realise that a healthy environment is ­essential With so much achieved in a relatively short ­period Sustainable development is a journey, not a in overall Government ­policy, which ­increasingly has to its future welfare. ­Sustainable development of time, the question begs, what lies ahead? ­destination. We may encounter forks and bumps in given higher priority to the ­environment. As with ­requires an integration of environmental, economic The EPD’s approach of partnerships, outreach the road, and progress may come in fits and starts. many other places around the world, Hong Kong has and social issues, and we ignore any single plank at and ­collective responsibility has been a fruitful Nonetheless, the collective ­efforts of the community peril to the others. one for the ­environment and will continue to be can help to move Hong Kong towards a better quality ­pursued. There will still be challenges, particularly of life and a better quality environment. in ­addressing ­climate change, waste ­management and air ­pollution, and more will be demanded of people and ­organisations to reduce their carbon and ­env iro nm ent al ­footprints. ­However, the ground has been laid for people to ­receive those messages and act on them. The path to greater ­sustainability has been set and The Council for Sustainable Development organises bottom-up, open, there is no t­urning back. The Castle Peak Power Station (top) and Lamma Power Station inclusive and stakeholder-led engagements to gauge public opinion ­(bottom) have had their air pollution control systems upgraded to on key sustainability issues. Two examples are the Better Air Quality Vehicles with zero emissions such as this electric vehicle contribute to a better quality environment comply with progressively tighter emission caps under their renewed engagement in 2007 (left) and Building Design to Foster a Quality and and a better quality of life. specified process licences. Sustainable Built Environment in 2009 (right).

more ­sustainable lifestyle, the little sacrifice of Hopes for a Greener Future "We need a bottom-up approach. We cannot rely on ­inconvenience will mean a great deal to the planet others, be it businesses, NGOs or the ­Government, to and the future of humanity. The future of Hong Kong’s environment can find He also went to Harvard University in his second go green for us. We each need to be green ­ourselves, ­inspiration in Mr Dixon Kwong, who recently year of university studies to learn more about then influence our families and our communities "I really hope that through individual effort, we can ­graduated from university with a degree in business ­environmental politics and environmental economics, to be green. Being optimistic is really important. create a groundswell of early adopters of a green and is ­making the environment his life’s work. including carbon trading which he hopes to be able We may not know the future, but if we choose a lifestyle in Hong Kong and together, we can have a to investigate further for Hong Kong. bigger voice to influence larger organisations to go Mr Kwong first became interested in green issues in green, too." 2007 while on exchange to Germany, where he found In 2010 Mr Kwong and three colleagues won the Get concern about the environment to be much higher it Green competition organised by the Environmental than in Hong Kong. When he returned home, he Campaign Committee and the Civic Exchange, and ­decided to learn more about the local environment they went to Antarctica to witness global warming "I really hope that through individual effort, we can create a groundswell and promote greener lifestyles here. and experience a simpler life. of early adopters of a green lifestyle in Hong Kong and together, we can have a bigger voice to influence larger organisations to go green, too." He organised a green policy forum involving about "Hong Kong is progressing forward but it still lags 120 young people and he was invited to spend a ­behind other cities, especially in Europe and the ­United - Mr Dixon Kwong day shadowing the Secretary for the Environment States. I would like Hong Kong to be a ­leading city for at work. In addition, he was a youth representative green development and a role model for the Mainland at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in ­China, ­although now some cities in the Mainland are ­Copenhagen in December 2009. catching up.

86 Chapter 6 - A Journey, Not A Destination Chapter 6 - A Journey, Not A Destination 87 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986

1987 1989 1986 1988

Established the Environmental Protection Department Commenced the Sewerage Master Plans (SMP) Implemented the Livestock Waste ­Control Scheme. Published the "White Paper on Pollution: A time to on April 1, bringing the majority of pollution prevention ­programme to provide a blueprint for the ­sewerage act" laying down a comprehensive 10-year plan to and control activities under one umbrella. infrastructure required to collect sewage on a Enacted the Noise Control Ordinance to provide fight pollution. ­catchment-basis. ­statutory powers for the control of noise from ­domestic Enacted Water Pollution Control Regulations under and public places, construction sites, industrial and Published the statutory Waste ­Disposal Plan ­under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (1980). Declared the first water control zone (WCZ) at Tolo ­commercial premises and noisy ­products. the Waste Disposal ­Ordinance to set out a ­10-year ­Harbour. plan for developing new facilities and closing old ones.

88 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 89 1991

Saw an announcement in ­Governor’s Address to the ­Legislative Council that all ­Executive ­Council policy and project papers will contain an ­Environmental ­Implications ­paragraph. 1994 1990 1993

Introduced unleaded petrol on April 1 to reduce ­harmful lead pollution.

Established the first two ­Local Control Offices (LCOs) to improve pollution ­control, services and liaison with the community. Opened the EPD’s Visitors Centre in Revenue 1992 Tower, Wan Chai to complement the Wan Chai ­Environmental Resource Centre and serve as ­another gateway to ­environmental information for Commissioned Hong Kong’s first Refuse ­Transfer Commissioned the ­comprehensive Chemical Waste the ­community. ­Station (RTS) at K­ owloon Bay. Treatment Centre the first in South East Asia, with a ­capacity to treat 100 000 tonnes of ­chemical waste Banned the import of halons and introduced Implemented the Air ­Pollution ­Control (Fuel per annum, most of which had ­previously been ­controls on 3,4-­hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), ­Restriction) ­Regulations to limit the ­sulphur content dumped in the ­harbour. ­3,4-hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFC), and ­methyl and viscosity of fuel oils. Significant ­improvement ­bromide ­under the Ozone Layer ­Protection was seen in ambient sulphur ­dioxide levels. Commissioned West New ­Territories (WENT) Landfill, ­Ordinance, ­fulfilling our global ­obligation in the first of three ­strategic landfills in Hong Kong. ­environmental ­protection.

Completed Hong Kong's first "over-road" noise ­barrier at Tate's Cairn Tunnel approach roads to ­protect ­adjacent high rise dwellings from road traffic noise.

90 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 91 1997

1995 1996 1999

Enacted the Environmental ­Impact Assessment ­Ordinance to set out the framework for ­controlling ­environmental ­impacts of major development projects.

Launched a pilot scheme for ­liquefied ­petroleum gas taxis to reduce air ­pollution. 1998

Saw the Chief Executive ­emphasise "Quality People, Quality Home" and sustainable development in his Launched Hong Kong’s first Air Pollution Index (API) Enacted the Air Pollution ­Control (Open Burning) Policy Address. to inform the community of the status of air ­pollution ­Regulation to bring open ­burning activities under in Hong Kong. ­con­trol. Announced a comprehensive programme of measures to tackle motor vehicle ­emissions. Saw agreement by the Hong ­Kong-Guangdong Extended the 24-hour ­pollution ­complaints hotline Established EPD’s homepage in the World Wide ­Environmental ­Protection Liaison Group to work ­service to six l­ocal h­ otlines to handle c­ omplaints on a Web to ­provide the ­public with easy access to ­towards removing all effluent from the Deep Bay ­district basis. ­environmental ­information ­conducive to an ­informed ­catchment as a long term goal. and ­environmentally aware ­community. Saw an announcement in the Chief Executive’s ­Policy ­Address that all policy secretaries and ­directors of ­bureaux and ­departments have to ­provide ­environmental reports for their o­ rganisations s­ tarting from 2000.

92 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 93 2000 2004

Saw full commissioning of Stage 1 of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) [formerly known as 2003 the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme (SSDS)].

2002

Saw the signing of a ­Memorandum of ­Understanding ­between the State ­Environmental Protection ­Administration and the Environmental Protection ­Department on the control of hazardous waste ­imports and exports.

Saw endorsement by the ­Executive Council of a new policy to redress noise impacts from existing roads by means of engineering and non-engineering ­measures where practicable. Participated in the Team Clean operation and undertook 2001 joint efforts with other government departments to improve environmental hygiene in the community, with particular emphasis on fly-tipping of waste, ­broken Saw the Legislative Council ­approve the Waste pipes and discharges in backlanes, illegal connections ­Disposal (Amendment) Bill No.2 2003 to enable to stormwater drains and improperly maintained septic Launched the Waste Recycling Campaign in Housing charging for ­disposal of construction waste at tanks. Estates (Phase VI), with the participation of 1 200 public waste disposal ­facilities and to enhance control and private housing estates covering some 1.5 million of illegal dumping of waste. Saw endorsement of the Regional Air Quality households, and saw co-operation with community ­Management Plan for the Pearl River Delta region by groups to launch waste recovery schemes. Saw the governments of the Hong Kong SAR the Hong ­Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group and ­Guangdong ­Province jointly commence on ­Sustainable ­Development and ­Environmental Completed a report on air quality in the Pearl River work to ­establish a Pearl River Delta ­region ­Protection. Delta region, through the Joint Working Group on joint air ­monitoring ­network and the associated Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection. ­quality ­assurance and ­control manuals, and to Tightened motor vehicle fuel requirements, introduced arrange ­routine quality ­management meetings. Euro III emission standards for newly registered vehicles in step with the European Union, and required newly-registered taxis to be fuelled by LPG or petrol.

94 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 95 2006

Launched the "I Love Hong Kong! I Love Green!" 2005 Campaign to encourage the public to switch to a greener lifestyle. 2009 2008

Launched the Action Blue Sky Campaign to encourage public participation in improving air quality in Hong Kong.

Commenced planning, ­investigation and design work for the tunnel system for the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A. 2007

Signed the Environmental Cooperation Agreement between Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong to enhance co-operation and related mechanisms with a view to transforming the Pearl River Delta region into a green and quality living area. Published "A Policy Framework for the Management of ­Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014)" which sets out Implemented the Environmental Levy Scheme a ­comprehensive ­strategy for municipal solid waste on Plastic Shopping Bags as the first mandatory ­management in Hong Kong for 10 years from 2005 Implemented the Hazardous Chemicals Control ­producer responsibility scheme under the Product to 2014. ­Ordinance to control the import, export, ­manufacture ­Eco-responsibility Ordinance. and use of non-pesticide hazardous chemicals, Saw the merger of the ­Environmental ­Protection ­including those covered by the Stockholm Convention ­Department and the ­Environment Branch of the and ­Rotterdam Convention. ­Environment, ­Transport and Works Bureau on April 1. Saw the Product Eco-responsibility O­rdinance Saw the formation of the Environment Bureau arising (Cap 603) enacted by the ­Legislative Council. from the re-organisation of the Government Secretariat on 1 July 2007.

96 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 97 2010

January Collaborated with the Hong Kong Institute of March April ­Vocational Education to develop an ­environmental training course for Environmental Officers ­working at construction sites.

Implemented the amended Air ­Pollution ­Control (Volatile Organic Compounds) ­Regulation to ­extend the control of VOC content to paints/­ coatings for vehicle refinishes, vessels and ­pleasure crafts, as well as adhesives and sealants in phases.

Held a public consultation on introducing a Continued to promote the "I Love Hong Commenced operation of the Advance Disinfection Saw a further $7.9 billion approved for ­upgrading new producer responsibility scheme (PRS) for Kong! I Love Green!" Campaign with two new Facilities at Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works the proper management of waste electrical and ­Announcements of Public Interest focusing Works, under the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme and eight associated preliminary treatment electronic equipment. on combating climate change and low carbon (HATS) Stage 2A. works on Hong Kong Island, under HATS Stage ­living. 2A. Total funding for the project has reached $17.2 billion. Introduced the second phase of the Mandatory

Widened coverage of the Cleaner Production February Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme, which will Submitted the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed ­Penalty) ­Partnership Programme to also provide ­professional be fully implemented in September 2011 after Bill to the Legislative Council for scrutiny, with a advice and technical support in the treatment and an 18-month grace period. The scheme covers view to introducing a statutory requirement for drivers to switch off engines while their vehicles reduction of effluent discharges from Hong Kong- room air-conditioners, refrigerating appliances, are stationary. owned factories in the PRD region. ­compact fluorescent lamps, washing machines and dehumidifiers. All these prescribed products Saw the Council for Sustainable Development hold for supply in Hong Kong are required to bear a Community Outreach Programme in Tsuen Wan. Organised a workshop for leaders and pioneers ­labels stating their energy efficiency ­performance.

of various trades to share their experiences and Collaborated with community organisations in Tsuen Wan District to organise an environmental ­practices in greening their businesses, under the Saw the Legislative Council pass the ­Genetically restaurant workshop to promote environmental Environmental Compliance Promotion Programme. Modified Organisms (Control of Release) compliance and address environmental ­concerns. Since the Programme’s implementation in April ­Ordinance and its subsidiary regulation, which 2009, nine seminars and workshops have been ­together control the release of genetically Jointly organised a "Global Warming and Climate ­organised. ­modified organisms into the environment Variation" Seminar Series under the Combating and give effect to the Cartagena Protocol on ­Climate Change Campaign, with the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC), the Polar Museum Approved an EIA report on Organic Waste ­Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Foundation, the Hong Kong Observatory and the Treatment Facilities, Phase I. ­Diversity. The l­egislation will come into effect on Hong Kong Science Museum. 1 March 2011. Approved an EIA report on Black Point Gas ­Supply Project.

98 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 99 May Collaborated with the Quality Tourism ­Services Completed a trial of local ferries using ultra low August ­Association & Association for HK Catering ­Services sulphur diesel. Management to organise the "Green ­Restaurants & Retailers Seminar". The ­seminar ­promoted Completed a stakeholder consultation on a ­environmental compliance and legislative ­proposal to control emissions from non-road ­requirements for the restaurant trade and retail mobile sources. sector. Saw the Council for Sustainable Development Began a study to review HATS Stage 2B. approve a total of $5.4 million in grants for five projects in the seventh round of applications ­under the Sustainable Development Fund.

Saw the Council for Sustainable Development Launched the Climate FootPRINT Book hold the "Sustainable Business for Our Future" ­Series with the ECC and the Climate Group Conference. (Hong Kong). The series is targeted at the Collaborated with two SME vehicle repair trade ­general ­public and includes four publications associations and the Hong Kong Productivity on the themes of New Green Generation, Low Approved an EIA report on Development of a Council to organise an Environmental Seminar for ­Carbon Economy, Environmentally Friendly 100MW Offshore Wind Farm in Hong Kong. Environmental Ambassadors, trade ­practitioners Households and Green City Life. and other stakeholders to share knowledge on vehicle repair, design and ­environmental ­legislation. June Saw the Council for Sustainable Development Commemorated World Environment Day with a Facilitated the Hong Kong Federation of ­submit its Report on the Public Engagement Global Warming and Climate Variation Seminar, ­Restaurants & Related Trades and Hong Kong ­Process on Building Design to Foster a Quality and co-organised with the ECC, the Polar Museum Productivity Council to implement the "Quality Restaurant Environmental Management Scheme", Sustainable Built Environment to the Government, Foundation, the Hong Kong Observatory and the and joined the Steering Committee which ­provides together with its recommendations. Hong Kong Science Museum, and the release of a technical advice and support to restaurants. The set of DVDs for students that vividly illustrates the Scheme is funded under the Environment & Organised a workshop on the management disastrous effects of global warming. ­Conservation Fund. of mooncake packaging to share the latest ­developments in green packaging and printing Opened a public recreation park on the restored with the trade and promote good practices. July Jordan Valley Landfill. The Jordan Valley Park Amended the Air Pollution Control (Motor featur­es a radio-controlled model car racing Collaborated with the Hong Kong Polytechnic ­Vehicle Fuel) Regulation to tighten the motor circuit, horticultural centre, community garden, University to develop an environmental ­training ­vehicle fuel standards to Euro V levels. children’s play area, elderly exercise corner and jogging track. course for Environmental Officers working at Launched an Incentive Scheme to encourage ­construction sites. Implemented the regulatory control of ­vehicle owners to replace their Euro II diesel Saw the Council for Sustainable Development ­specifications and labelling requirements on ­commercial vehicles with newer, less polluting launch the eighth round of applications under ­motor vehicle biodiesel as set out in the Air commercial vehicles. the Sustainable Development Fund. ­Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) Regulation.

100 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 101 September Signed a "design, build and operate" contract November December for a Sludge Treatment Facility which will adopt ­state-of-the-art thermal incineration technology and have a design capacity of 2 000 tonnes per day.

Saw the Government release its ­response to the Council for ­Sustainable ­Development’s Report on the Public Engagement Process on Building Design to Foster a Quality and ­Sustainable Built ­Environment.

Saw the Council for Sustainable Development ­decide to embark on a new round of public Fully commissioned a public recreation park ­engagement on climate change-related issues in Hosted the C40 Hong Kong Workshop on Low on the restored Ngau Chi Wan Landfill (its first 2011-2012. phase was opened in August 2009). The Ngau Carbon Cities for High Quality Living. Completed a public consultation on "Hong Kong's Chi Wan Park provides an archery field, jogging Climate Change Strategy and Action Agenda." track, ­elderly fitness corners, children’s play areas Awarded "Hong Kong - Guangdong Cleaner and basketball court. ­Production Partner" commendations to a second Further tightened emission caps for the power batch of Hong Kong enterprises, to recognise sector through the promulgation of the Second their efforts in pursuing cleaner production. Technical Memorandum (TM), which sets caps 34 per cent-50 per cent below those of the First Co-organised the EcoExpo Asia in Hong Kong TM levels, with effect from 2015. October with the Trade Development Council. Renewed the specified process licence of Reached the target of 80 per cent ­population Enacted the Buildings Energy Efficiency ­Ordinance, Lamma Power Station and continued to impose coverage for the Programme on Source which mandates the compliance with codes emission caps according to the TM. ­Separation of Domestic Waste, as laid out in of practice promulgated by the Electrical and the Policy Framework for the Management of Saw the Legislative Council approve the Waste ­Mechanical Services Department concerning Shared Hong Kong’s experience in pollution ­Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014). 1 637 ­housing Disposal (Clinical Waste) (General) Regulation and the energy efficiency of four types of buildings control enforcement with two delegations from estates / residential buildings and 700 rural the Waste Disposal (Charge for Disposal of ­Clinical ­services installations and energy audits. Those the Bureau of Environmental Supervision, ­under ­villages are e­ nrolled in the Programme. Waste) Regulation to tighten control on ­clinical ­installations are air-conditioning, electrical, lifts and a training programme led by the Ministry of waste and enable charges to be introduced for ­escalators and lighting installations. The Ordinance ­Environmental Protection of China. Approved an EIA report on South Island Line clinical waste disposal at waste management is ­expected to result in energy savings of 2.8 billion (East). ­facilities. kWh in its first decade for new buildings.

102 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 Milestones in Environmental Protection Since 1986 103 Appendix - Organisation Chart of the Environmental Protection Department Organisation Structures & Missions of Our Programmes and Associated Works

Permanent Secretary for the Environment / Press unit Organisation Structures Director of Environmental Protection

Organisation Chart of the Environment Bureau Deputy Director Deputy Director Deputy Director of Environmental Protection (1) of Environmental Protection (2) of Environmental Protection (3)

Secretary Environmental Assessment Division Nature Conservation and Air Policy Division for the Environment Assistant Director Infrastructure Planning Division Assistant Director Assistant Director Assessment and Noise Group Nature Conservation Group Air Policy Group Strategic Assessment Group Infrastructure Planning Group Air Science Group Metro Assessment Group Mobile Source Control Group Regional Assessment Group

Cross-boundary and Permanent Secretary Water Policy Division Waste Management Policy Division International Division for the Environment / Assistant Director Assistant Director Under Secretary Assistant Director for the Environment Director of Environmental Protection Sewerage Infrastructure Group Waste Management Policy Group Cross-boundary & International Group Water Policy and Science Group

Environmental Compliance Division Environmental Infrastructure Division Assistant Director Assistant Director Energy and Sustainable Regional Oce (East) Waste Facilities Group Environmental Protection Development Branch Regional Oce (South) Special Waste and Land ll Restoration Group Department Deputy Secretary Regional Oce (West) Waste Reduction and EcoPark Group for the Environment Regional Oce (North) RTS Development Group Territorial Control Oce Business Services Unit Business Facilitation Oce

Political Assistant Sustainable Development Financial Monitoring Electricity Team Corporate A airs Division Energy Division to Secretary Division Division Chief Electrical & Pr Environmental Protection Ocer Principal Assistant Secretary for the Environment Principal Assistant Secretary Principal Assistant Secretary Mechanical Engineer

Community Relations Unit

Central Prosecution Unit

104 Organisation Structures Organisation Structures 105 Missions of Our Programmes and Associated Works

Air Noise Nature Conservation Cross-boundary and To protect the health and well being of the community To prevent, minimise and resolve environmental To conserve natural resources and the bio-diversity International Co-operation by achieving and maintaining satisfactory air ­quality noise problems through formulation of noise policy, of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner, taking into To protect the environment by tackling cross-boundary through intervention in the planning process and intervention in the planning process, implementation account social and economic considerations, for pollution problems and by promoting collaborative by enforcing the controls in the Air Pollution Control of noise abatement measures and enforcement of the the benefit of the present and future generations of ­efforts through regional and international co-operation. ­Ordinance and the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance. Noise Control Ordinance. the community. Partnerships and Environmental Assessment Environmental Compliance and Planning To serve the community through enforcing pollution To pre-empt environmental problems associated control laws to safeguard people’s health and welfare, with development projects, plans and strategies, to work with others and continue to build partnerships, by ­assessing their environmental implications and and to promote corporate ­environmental ­management ­ensuring that measures are implemented to avoid any in both public and private sectors, in pursuance of potential problems that are identified. sustainable development objectives.

Community Awareness To promote community environmental ­awareness through campaigns, publicity, education and ­action programmes, with a view to harnessing the ­community’s support for, and contribution to Water ­achieving desired environmental goals, thereby ­securing a long term solution to environmental To achieve marine and fresh water quality ­objectives ­problems through the development of an improved that will safeguard the health and welfare of the ­community and meet various conservation goals, environmental ethic within the community. by planning for the provision of sewage facilities, ­intervening in the planning process and enforcing the controls in the Water Pollution Control Ordinance and the Dumping At Sea Ordinance. Energy To ensure reliable supplies of energy at reasonable prices, promote its efficient and safe use, and at the Waste same time minimise the environmental impacts in the To safeguard the health and welfare of the community production and use of energy. from adverse environmental effects associated with the handling and disposal of wastes by developing a sustainable waste management strategy, ­providing Sustainable Development waste management facilities and enforcing the To promote sustainable development in Hong Kong. ­controls in the Waste Disposal Ordinance.

106 Missions of Our Programmes and Associated Works Missions of Our Programmes and Associated Works 107 Acknowledgements 同心耕耘廿五載 共創綠色新世代 25 Years of Sustained Effort for a Greener Future We would like to thank the following persons and organisations for their contribution of photos (in alphabetical order):

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Two photos (bottom centre) on page 77 The EPD 25th Anniversary Working Group Membership

Cathay Pacific Airways One photo (top) on page 13 Chairman: Mr Elvis W K Au, Chairman of Departmental Consultative Committee CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd One photo (left top) on page 86

Three photos, one photo on page 76 (right) Secretary: Drainage Services Department and two on page 99 Senior Environmental Protection Officer [Knowledge Management] of Corporate Affairs Division – Mr Tommy K W Chan from October to November 2009 and Dr S T Mak from December 2009 onwards Two photos (Energy Efficiency Labels at centre Electrical and Mechanical Services Department left and bottom right) on page 67 Members: Geocarto International Centre One photo (top) on page 77 Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Corporate Affairs] of Corporate Affairs Division – Mr Lawrence S H Cheung from October 2009 to January 2011 and Guangdong Provincial Environmental Mr Conrad P K Lam from February 2011 onwards One photo (right) on page 62 Monitoring Centre Departmental Secretary – Mr Dominic T M Lo or his representative Principal Information Officer of the Environmental Protection Department – Highways Department One photo (top) on page 85 Ms Esther K L Li or her representative

Ho Kin-chung (Prof), The Open University of Hong Kong One photo (bottom) on page 17 Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Community Relations] of the Community Relations Unit – Ms Betty M H Cheung or her representative Eleven photos, one photo each on pages Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Regional West] representing Information Services Department 3, 5, 12, 15 (right), 24, 67 (top), 69 (top), 80 (top), Environmental Compliance Division – Mr Arthur C M Chu or his representative 83 (bottom), 89 (top) and 97 (right). Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Assessment and Noise] representing Environmental Assessment Division – Mr Maurice K L Yeung or his representative Kwong Dixon (Mr) One photo (bottom) on page 87 Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Water Policy] representing Water Policy Division – Mr Patrick C K Lei or his representative Lam Kin-che (Prof), The Chinese University of Hong Kong One photo (bottom) on page 85 Officer in/charge [RTS Development] representing Environmental Infrastructure Division – Lee Rebecca (Dr) One photo on page 82 Mr C K Chen or his representative Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Infrastructure Planning] representing Li Isabel (Ms) One photo (bottom) on page 47 Nature Conservation and Infrastructure Planning Division/Waste Management Policy Division – Mr P H Lui or his representative Li Jackie (Mr) One photo (bottom) on page 25 Principal Environmental Protection Officer [Air Science] representing Air Policy Division/ Cross-boundary and International Division – Mr Dave T Y Ho or his representative Louie Peter, Kwok-keung (Dr) One photo (bottom) on page 63 Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Protection Officers representative – Luen Kwok-wai (Mr) One photo (bottom) on page 44 Mr Alan H L Yim, Environmental Protection Officer Environmental Protection Officers Grade Representative – Ng Lai-fun (Ms) One photo (bottom) on page 48 Mr Arthur H M Lee, Environmental Protection Officer Environmental Protection Inspectors Grade Representative – Two photos, one each on page 62 (left bottom) The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd Mr Steven K T Lo, Senior Environmental Protection Inspector and page 86 (left bottom) Staff Recreation and Social Committee Chairperson – Yeung Kam-kai (Mr) Two photos (centre and bottom) on page 69 Mr K W Sit, Senior Environmental Protection Inspector, or his representative Environment Bureau

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