We aim to establish an effective legislative and efficient control framework in order to safeguard the health and welfare of the community from any adverse environmental effects

We will actively encourage businesses and other organisations to adopt pollution control measures

The EPD's legislative and enforcement efforts are not intended solely to uphold laws on air, water, noise and waste pollution. We also assess the environmental impacts of development projects, respond to complaints and regulate specific polluting activities through licensing procedures. Furthermore, we are trying to enhance partnerships with industry to encourage greater compliance.

Partnerships
Formal partnerships with industry enable an exchange of information so operators know our expectations and we understand their constraints. Operators also help us by training their staff, encouraging others to comply and finding new solutions to environmental challenges. Partnerships were formed with the construction industry, motor vehicle repair shops and restaurants in 2000, and in 2001 a partnership was formed with property managers. The EPD organised 52 environmental seminars with our partners in 2001 which were attended by about 6 000 participants. We also co-operated in the development of technical solutions for tackling fumes from restaurants and motor vehicle repair shops. Additionally, the EPD organised more than 60 field trips for members of District Councils and the Legislative Council.

Photo of Seminar on construction rules & regulations of Hong Kong

Photo of Seminar on environmental protection laws

Enforcement of Laws
A Central Prosecution Section was set up in 2001, led by a full-time legal professional, to deal with the increasing number of not-guilty pleas. About 15 per cent of cases are not-guilty pleas, versus 9 per cent about five years ago. The overall number of prosecutions has dropped from 1 824 in 2000 to 1 151 in 2001, and convicted offenders paid $15.8 million in fines in 2001. This reduction is likely due to several factors. There is better compliance (see Complaints, below) and fewer construction sites; the economic downturn has resulted in less industrial activity, although some operators are cutting costs by reducing their use of pollution control measures such as waste water facilities; and operators are becoming more effective at challenging prosecutions. Staff in the Local Control Offices also carried out 62 349 inspections in 2001.