Major Initiatives under EPD's programme:
Reporting Area	Targets for 2003	Progress in 2003
Contribution to Strategic Decision- making	To prepare a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) manual to provide guidelines and technical advice on SEA.	An interim SEA Manual had been published to seek practitioners’ views.
	To produce a CD-ROM to capture the knowledge and experience shared at the “Conference on Reshaping Environmental Assessment Tools for Sustainability”.	The CD-ROM was published in June 2003.
	To update various environmental databases for the Computer-aided Sustainability Evaluation Tool (CASET) in 2003.	CASET indicators were updated in August 2003.
Prevention and Mitigation through Environmental Impact Assessment	To launch an additional feature in the EIAO Website to enable searching of environmental monitoring and audit information of major development projects by geographic areas or by nature of the project in October 2003.	Additional features including web-based EM&As, project websites and EIA & monitoring information, were added to the website to enhance user-friendliness when searching for environmental monitoring and audit information of major development projects.
Better Air Quality	To continue the large-scale retrofit programme for pre-Euro standard diesel vehicles over 4 tonnes.	By end 2003, over 15 000 pre-Euro diesel vehicles over 4 tonnes had been retrofitted with a particulate removal device.
	To enforce a regulation to require the installation of a particulate reduction device in pre-Euro standard diesel vehicles up to 4 tonnes when their licences are renewed, subject to approval by LegCo.	A regulation for mandatory installation of a particulate reduction device for vehicles up to 4 tonnes became effective on 1 Dec 2003.
	To proceed with the continued enforcement of the perchloroethylene regulation, including the vetting of new dry-cleaning machines for inclusion in the approval list.	Continued processing applications on new models of dry-cleaning machines using perchloroethylene in their operations, and kept abreast of new and innovative developments in the area of dry-cleaning.
	To launch the voluntary Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places in mid-2003.	The Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme was opened for application in September 2003.
	To implement the following tasks, which were agreed by the special panel on Pearl River Delta Air Quality Management and Monitoring set up under the Hong Kong – Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection:
	- To draw up a regional air quality management plan in 2003;	- Prepared a regional air quality management plan which was subsequently endorsed by the Joint Working Group;
	- To establish and operate a regional air quality monitoring network consisting of a total of 16 stations by 2004;	- Developed a joint air quality monitoring network for operation to start in 2004;
	- To compile a 2001 regional emissions inventory in 2003;	- Drafted a 2001 regional emissions inventory;
	- To compile a handbook on preparing a regional emissions inventory in 2003;	- Compiled for release in 2004 a handbook on the methods for assessing the quantities of air pollutants emitted from different pollution sources in the region;
	- To conduct a technical exchange workshop on monitoring techniques for particulate matters and VOCs in February 2003;	- Conducted technical exchanges and workshops on topics such as air quality monitoring and pollution control;
	- To evaluate the feasibility of establishing an emissions trading pilot scheme in the energy sector in the Pearl River Delta Region by end of March 2003.	- Assisted the Government in exploring the feasibility of cross-boundary emissions trading schemes.
	To finalise and issue the practice notes for managing air quality in air-conditioned public transport facilities.	The practice notes for managing air quality in air-conditioned public transport facilities (buses and railways) were issued in late 2003.
	To introduce a regulation to require petrol filling stations to install vapour recovery systems to control emission of petrol vapour during vehicle refueling by end 2003 and to implement the regulation in early 2004.	Oil companies and the Legislative Council were consulted on the draft proposal. Draft regulation is now being finalised.
	To prepare a proposal to amend the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance to ban the import of products containing CFCs, tentatively by 2005.	Policy support had been received for a CFC management plan to ban the import of products containing CFCs by phases from 2006, and expand the scope of products under control.
Quieter Environment	To review 200 planning schemes and strategic proposals to minimise noise problems for about 46 000 people.	Reviewed 182 planning schemes to benefit 41 000 people.
	To review the eligibility of 20 existing roads for inclusion in the programme to retrofit barriers.	Reviewed the eligibility of 20 existing roads to retrofit barriers.
	To support the investigation studies/design work for retrofitting barriers for Phases 1 and 2 of the retrofitting programme, the engineering feasibility studies for Phase 3 and the work for resurfacing the identified road sections.	Supported investigation studies/design work/engineering feasibility studies for retrofitting barrier projects and the work for resurfacing the identified road sections.
	To issue codes of practice to guide the industry on good management practices to prevent violation of the Noise Control Ordinance.	Consulted the industries and the Legislative Council Environmental Affairs Panels on the draft codes of practice, and are following up the concerns raised.
	To conduct a study on noise levels in Hong Kong.	Commenced the first phase of the study on noise levels in Hong Kong.
Better Water Quality	To finalise the report on the 2002 EPD-State Oceanic Administration (SOA) marine monitoring method validation work and develop a plan to facilitate Hong Kong’s participation in the National Marine Environment Monitoring Network.	The EPD-SOA marine monitoring method validation report was finalised. A restructuring of the National Marine Environment Monitoring Network was on-going and Hong Kong’s participation will hinge on its outcome.
	To complete the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) studies and consult the community on the way forward.	Progress on the studies was delayed by the outbreak of SARS, which affected the availability of the consultant’s foreign staff in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, key findings were endorsed by the HATS Monitoring Group in December. These findings are being compiled into a final report for public consultation, to be launched in the second quarter of 2004.
	To introduce the new effluent standards into Legislative Council for negative vetting subject to decision by our policy bureau.	The policy bureau requested us to collect additional information for their decision-making process. The information was forwarded to them in November 2003.
	To propose a biological indicator monitoring strategy for the marine environment.	In 2003, a study on the development of a biological indicator system for monitoring marine pollution was completed. This study has provided the EPD with a sound scientific basis for the formulation of strategies and plans for territory-wide pollution monitoring using biological indicators.
	To prepare a plan for monitoring pollution by toxic substances in the marine environment.	An initial proposal on the monitoring of toxic substances in Hong Kong’s marine environment was prepared following the completion of the toxic substances study.
	To complete the on-going sewerage master plan (SMP) reviews.	All current sewerage master plans (SMPs) reviews were completed in 2003.
	To commission a study on urban stormwater pollution, focusing on the West Kowloon area, and to recommend measures for tackling urban stormwater pollution problems.	An in-house investigation into stormwater pollution, focusing on Mong Kok, was commenced in October 2003. The aim is to gather more data on the nature and extent of pollution to the stormwater system and to facilitate a policy decision on the way forward in tackling this pollution issue.
	To work out a proposal for an effluent reuse demonstration scheme in North District area.	The Scoping Study for a pilot effluent re-use scheme in North District was completed at the end of 2003.
	To carry out preparatory work for the first progress review of the Deep Bay Water Pollution Control Joint Implementation Programme in collaboration with the Shenzhen Environmental Protection Bureau.	In end 2003, Shenzhen Environmental Protection Bureau and EPD reached an agreement on an overall co-operation framework and the establishment of a joint study team to implement the first joint review. Endorsement of the framework by the Mirs Bay & Deep Bay Areas Environmental Management Special Panel was expected in January 2004.
	To formulate a Mirs Bay regional water quality management plan jointly with Shenzhen authorities.	The Mirs Bay Water Quality Regional Control Strategy Study was completed in March 2003 and the recommended water quality management plan was endorsed in December 2003 by the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection.
Environmentally-Sound Waste Management and Facilities	To submit legislative proposals to tighten up controls on illegal disposal of waste, to the Legislative Council for consideration.	An amendment bill "Waste Disposal (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2003", which provides for construction waste charges and tighter controls on illegal waste disposal, was submitted to the LegCo in Dec 2003 for first reading and second reading. A Bill Committee is to be formed to discuss the Bill.
	To prepare a draft legislative framework to support waste reduction measures.	The framework will be drafted once the waste management options for the relevant waste types are agreed.
	To continue to implement on-going and new initiatives under the Waste Reduction Framework Plan.	Good progress continued to be made on waste separation programmes, the Wastewi$e Scheme, land allocation for the recycling industry, and the reuse of construction and demolition materials.
	To produce the first draft Waste Management Plan.	The first draft has been produced for internal discussion.
	To submit the draft bill on construction waste charging scheme for the Legislative Council's consideration.	Progress as reported in the first bullet of this Reporting Area. We aim to implement the charging scheme in mid 2005.
	To commission a pilot scheme to recycle waste tyres.	We commenced the pilot scheme to recycle waste tyres collected at the Kowloon Bay Transfer Station in April 2003. For the first nine months, about 2 100 tonnes of waste tyres were recovered. The contractor used waste tyres collected to produce a lightweight geo-construction material which has been applied as filling material for road sub-base and slope. Compared with landfill disposal, the pilot programme has generated a saving of about HK$1.5 million in this first nine months.
	To complete a pilot scheme at the North West New Territories Refuse Transfer Station for recycling electrical and electronic appliances.	Pilot scheme extended to December 2004.
	To continue assessment of submissions received under the Expression of Interest (EOI) on Waste Management Facilities exercise, and to develop integrated waste management facilities options based on the findings.	Assessed the submissions received under the EOI on Waste Management Facilities. Formulated several waste management technology options for further consideration by the Advisory Group.
	To complete a study to examine the best financial arrangements and financial contract terms for the development and management of a recovery park by May 2003.	The study to examine the appropriate development / management arrangement for the Recovery Park was substantially completed in 2003.
	To consider other possible alternative uses of the Ngau Tam Mei Composting Plant (NTMCP) site.	Various alternatives considered. The possible upgrading of the NTMCP site for treatment of livestock waste was under consideration.
	To complete the construction of the grass pitch at the former Sai Tso Wan Landfill and open the facility for use by the public in March 2004.	The construction of the Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground on the former Sai Tso Wan Landfill will be completed in March 2004 and the facility is expected to be open to the public in March/April 2004.
	To commission the Ma Wan Refuse Transfer Facility.	Commissioned in March 2003.
	To test out a new mode of waste separation by implementing the Dry and Wet Waste Separation Pilot Programme in four housing estates in Eastern District.	The 12-month pilot Dry and Wet Waste Separation Pilot Programme in four participating estates in the Eastern District commenced in March 2003. We will conduct a review of the pilot scheme in early March 2004.
	To commission feasibility studies on extension schemes for WENT and NENT Landfills.	Consulted the EIA subcommittee of the Advisory Committee on the Environment on the findings of the Landfill Extension Study in December 2003. Following consultation with the relevant District Councils, the feasibility studies for the three strategic landfills will be commissioned in mid-2004.
	To complete a review on the costs and benefits of the refuse transfer station network.	The Draft Final Report of the review was issued. The Final Report is being prepared.
	To commence tendering for the provision of clinical waste treatment facilities in the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre.	The draft tender documents were cleared by Legal Advisory Division in September 2003. A tender evaluation proposal was finalised and endorsed by ETWB and Central Tender Board in July 2003. We are now pending direction from ETWB to invite tenders.
	To complete the Technical Feasibility Statement of the sludge treatment facilities and to start a feasibility and EIA study for the facilities.	The Technical Feasibility Statement was approved by ETWB on 11.7.2003 and the consultant selection for the feasibility and environmental studies has started.
	To award the contract for the design, construction and operation of a low-level radioactive waste storage facility.	The contract was awarded on 23 July 2003.
Effective Enforcement and Emergency Response	To develop and implement a departmental prosecution policy and enhance transparency to the public.	EPD had published its prosecution policy on its website to enhance transparency (see http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/ english/news_events/ current_issue/ current_policy.html), and to make the prosecution process more understandable to the public.
	To develop and implement a new Complaint Management Policy to streamline the handling of pollution complaints.	With the setting up of the Customer Service Centre, about 40% of complaints and 98% of enquiries were successfully resolved over the phone. It has become an ongoing job for LCD to review and streamline the complaint handling process, with the view to delivering a more effective and efficient service.
	To explore the use of portable digital assistance in routine enforcement work and complaint investigation with a view to enhancing effectiveness.	A study was commissioned to study, develop and implement a mobile computing solution for the enforcement process with a view to enhancing its effectiveness & efficiency.
Building Partnerships	To develop guidebooks, train-the-trainer VCDs and websites on good practices for property managers and the construction and vehicle repair trades.	Guidebooks and train-the-trainer VCDs were distributed to the trades on how to control pollution and comply with environmental laws. Dedicated websites on good practices for property managers and the construction trade were also developed.
	To enhance the Restaurant Help Desk service by including Meet-the-Advisor services to provide technical advice on specific problems and to disseminate new technologies/green practices.	The Restaurant Help Desk had been extended to provide a Meet-the-Advisor service to the trade and to disseminate technical information/green practices.
	To develop a partnership with clinical waste stakeholders through workshops and seminars so as to enable them to comply with the new clinical waste legislation.	An annual performance audit exercise was carried out on each existing commercial clinical waste collector in 2003. To help raise the standard of operation in preparation for the proposed regulatory control, the trade was given free professional advice on improvement areas identified in the exercise. A talk on safe management of clinical waste was jointly organised with the Occupational Safety and Health Council.
	To hold eight Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance User Liaison Group meetings to share experiences and discuss how the EIA process can be improved.	EIAO User Liaison Group meetings were held in 2003.
	To issue seven Guidance Notes to provide guidelines on good practices on environmental impact assessment.	Seven Guidance Notes were prepared and circulated to User Liaison group members for comment.
	To deliver more EIA training workshops for partnership building and for enhancing understanding of the EIA mechanism.	A total of 23 workshops were held for 550 participants from both the public and private sectors.
	To continue the EIA Helpdesk Hotline to advise on EIA matters.	We received 107 enquiries from government engineers, consultants, contractors and the public.
	To promote the EIA training and capacity building programme to the private sector.	In addition to government departments, we provided workshops to private and public sector corporations, contractors and professional bodies.
	To set up a Property Management Partnership Liaison Group as a one-stop forum for discussing and resolving environmental issues, including waste reduction, which are of concern to the property management sector.	Workshops were organised with representatives from large property management companies and their subsidiaries to promote green practices and environmental compliance.
	To deliver more training seminars or workshops for the partnership trades in facilitating their environmental compliance.	Organized and delivered 45 seminars/training workshops on environmental protection to over 4 600 members of the trades (construction, restaurant, property management and vehicle repair) under the partnership programmes.
Environmental Awareness and Education	To implement Phase VII of the Waste Recycling Campaign in Housing Estates in 2003 to recruit 100-150 more housing estates to participate.	1 333 housing estates had joined the Waste Recycling Campaign in Housing Estates (Phase VII) which was launched in April 2003.
	To invite 700 schools and over 12 000 students to join the Student Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme in 2003.	724 schools and over 11 907 students joined the Student Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme in 2003.
	To conduct 45 training workshops to train 900 stakeholders to be green leaders in the first quarter of 2003. To complete the Green Leader programme by end of March 2003.	70 training workshops were held in the first quarter of 2003 training up more than 2 250 stakeholders to be green leaders. The Green Leader programme was completed in March 2003.
	To conduct six environmental education training workshops for 300 teachers in 2003.	25 environmental education training workshops for 535 teachers were held in 2003.
	To arrange 110 community visits by the Mobile Environmental Resource Centre in 2003.	112 community visits by the Mobile Environmental Resource Centre were conducted in 2003.
	To invite 100 more pre-schools to join the Waste Separation Scheme for Pre-schools in 2003.	Over 870 pre-schools joined the Waste Separation Scheme for Pre-schools in 2003, up from 680 in 2002.
	To organise 75 environmental awareness training sessions for civil servants in 2003-04.	135 environmental awareness training sessions were organised for over 2 000 civil servants in 2003.
	To arrange 120 community outreach visits by Green Desk in 2003-04.	126 community outreach visits by Green Desk were arranged in 2003.