Environmental Performance Report 2004
Environmental Protection Department

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| Foreword | 1 Environmental Policy | 2 Organisation, Programmes and Responsibilities | 3 EPD Offices and Facilities | 4 Our Influence and Impact on the Environment | 5 Our Contribution to the Environment | 6 Our Own Operations | 7 Progress on Year 2003 Targets | 8 Targets for 2004 | 9 Verification Statement | 10 Feedback Form |

4 Our Influence and Impact on the Environment

The Department's contribution towards improving the environment
Main Activities
Environmental Results
Contribute to the formulation of major policies and plans within the Government 
  • Environmental impact of policies, strategies and planning proposals minimised
  • Sustainability incorporated in decision-making process
Develop and implement environmental improvement programmes    

Direct improvements in:
  • Air quality
  • Noise mitigation
  • Water quality
  • Waste management
Plan and provide waste management facilities
  • Waste handled and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner
Establish regulatory control framework and enforce environmental ordinances
  • Air, water, waste and noise impacts from polluting activities reduced
Build partnerships and engage stakeholders
  • Better co-operation gained from all sectors in improving the environment
Deliver environmental education programmes to promote environmental awareness and public participation
  • Increased awareness about preventing and tackling environmental problems through enhanced partnerships and capacity building with stakeholders
Support research and professionalism in the environmental disciplines
  • Professional contribution to environmental management in Hong Kong enhanced


Environmental impacts of our operations
Operations and Services
Effects and Environmental Impact
 Measures Taken to Contain the Impact
Waste Collection, Transfer and Disposal Services Discharge of wastewater and leachate
  • Pollution of receiving water bodies
 Waste management facilities are equipped with wastewaster treatment systems to ensure discharge complies with water quality standards.
Emission of landfill gas
  • Potential fire and other hazards to human life
 Operating and closed landfills are equipped with landfill gas management and monitoring systems to remove potential hazards and risks within and to the adjacent areas.
Environmental nuisance
  • Noise, odour and visual impact
 Noise and odour nuisances are regularly monitored to ensure compliance with internal and statutory standards. Visual impact is assessed during the development stage of facilities. Mitigation measures such as visual barriers are provided where appropriate.
Exhaust emission from on-site treatment facilities, vehicles and vessel fleets
  • Air pollution and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
 Exhaust emissions from facilities are regularly monitored. A network of transfer facilities is used to reduce round-trips of vehicles. Bulk marine transfer, which can help reduce traffic emissions, is adopted where appropriate.
Consumption of fuel and electricity
  • Air pollution and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
 At closed and operating landfills, landfill gas is utilised to substitute fossil fuel for electricity/heat generation.
Laboratory Services Exhaust emission from fume cupboards and safety cabinets
  • Air pollution impact
 Emissions are scrubbed or filtered before release to the atmosphere. Regular monitoring for compliance with required standards.
Wastewater discharge
  • Pollution of receiving water bodies
 Provision of buffer tanks to prevent accidental discharge of unsuitable substances into the sewers. Regular monitoring of discharges from sinks for compliance with required standards
Accidental chemical spillage
  • Potential hazards to human life
 Staff are trained to deal with accidental spills. All laboratories are provided with emergency spill kits and procedures for handling chemical spillage/leakage.
Generation of chemical and biological wastes
  • Residual pollution from waste treatment processes
 Chemical waste is properly treated and disposed of by the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre, and biological waste is disinfected and disposed of in accordance with WHO guidelines.
Field Work Fuel consumption and emissions from vehicles/vessels
  • Air pollution and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
 Use vehicles that run on petrol or LPG and implement a non-idling policy. Groups and offices combine trips whenever possible.
Use of chemicals
  • Contamination of soil and water bodies
 Only non-toxic dye is used to trace pollution sources.
Disposal of samples
  • Residual pollution from waste treatment processes
 Used samples are returned to laboratories for proper disposal.
Office Activities Consumption of energy and resources (electricity, paper, water, stationery, etc.)
  • Air pollution and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions
  • Depletion of resources
 Reduce paper consumption on average 2.5% per year for the next 4 years.
Encourage documents sharing rather than photocopying, and use electronic means for the department’s library catalogue system, and for submission and approval for all requests for purchase of computers and related items.
Reduce electricity consumption by1.5% per year from 2003/04 to 2006/07.
Generation of solid waste
  • Increased demand for landfill disposal
 Implement waste reduction and recycling programmes.

 




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