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Planning
for a Better Environment
Prevention
and Mitigation through Environmental Impact Assessment
Better Air Qualit
Quieter Environment
Environmentally Sound Waste
Management and Facilities
Better Water Quality
"
Our Contribution to the Environment
We
will formulate and implement programmes to improve and safeguard
the environment "
Image
of The water quality of Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun has improved
Better
Water Quality
Attaining
and maintaining the quality of both our inland and marine
water is one of EPD's highest priorities. The strategy to
achieve this includes development of 16 Sewerage Master Plans
(SMPs); the development of the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme
(SSDS) for the main urban areas; upgrading sewage treatment
levels; and specific initiatives for particularly threatened
areas such as beaches.
During
1999, three SMP studies were implemented and initial planning
for two more was started. While a key element of SSDS Stage
I, the Stonecutter's Island Sewage Treatment Works, was commissioned
in 1997, public concern in 1999 indicated the need for re-evaluation
of subsequent stages. There was also a delay in the completion
of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for SSDS Stage
II due to late resolution of issues outside EPD's control.
However,
good progress was made on the study of the cumulative impact
on the marine environment due to rapid coastal development.
Based on the information gathered, a computer model was successfully
calibrated by the end of 1999. Progress was also made on implementing
the control strategy for Deep Bay, with sewerage improvement
works and upgrading of sewage treatment works being planned
or carried out. The plan to develop a water quality control
strategy for Mirs Bay through a joint study between EPD and
the Shenzhen Environmental Protection Bureau was endorsed
by the Technical Sub-Group of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Environmental
Protection Liaison Group in October 1999. A study to identify
the sources and pathways of toxic substances in Hong Kong,
and to assess their potential threat to aquatic life and human
health was initiated.
On-going
water monitoring has indicated progress on our water quality
improvement programmes. Among the 41 gazetted beaches, 10
have moved up one rank to a better grading and no beach was
downgraded in 1999. Percentage compliance with our marine
Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) increased from 69% in 1998
to 81% in 1999, with an ultimate target of 100%.
Chart
of Cumulative capital expenditure on sewerage infrastucture
Chart of Improving trend in
beach water quality since 1995
Chart of Improving trend in
river water quality since 1988
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2000, a review of the Hong Kong Island SMP and those of
the North District and Tolo Harbour in the New Territories
will be initiated. Consultations on the review of the
Technical Memorandum under the Water Pollution Control
Ordinance will also be initiated during 2000. It is expected
that the tunnelling for SSDS will be completed by end
2000. An International Review Panel for SSDS will be established
in early 2000 to re-examine the remaining stages and make
its recommendations by end 2000. The SSDS Stage II EIA
will also be completed in 2000. |
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