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AIR POLLUTION CONTROL STRATEGIES
Air Quality Objectives
Mobile Pollution Sources
Stationary Pollution Sources
Regional Smog Problem
Co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong
Enhanced Air Pollution Control Measures in Hong Kong
Emissions Reduction by Guangdong
Co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong
To address the regional air pollution problem, HKSARG is working closely with Guangdong to reduce the total air pollutant emissions in the PRD.
The Joint Study completed in 2002 served to identify the relative significance of different industrial and commercial sources of pollution and their direct and indirect impacts on regional air quality so that pollution control measures can be prioritized accordingly. This was done by compiling an emission inventory on polluting activities in PRD, collecting representative air samples and evaluating the regional distribution of air pollutants by computer simulation, taking into consideration meteorological conditions, topography etc.
According to the findings of the Joint Study, the economy, population, electricity demand and vehicle mileage in the PRD Region will grow by 150%, 20%, 130% and 180% respectively from 1997 to 2010. In terms of total emissions, Hong Kong accounts for about 5% to 20% of regional air pollution while the PRD accounts for 80% to 95%. Given the continuous economic growth of the PRD, air pollution in the region cannot be mitigated effectively even if the two governments continue to implement their existing improvement measures. The Joint Study also points out that we must control the total emissions of pollutants in order to address the regional air pollution problem.
After the Joint Study was completed, the HKSARG and the Guangdong Provincial Government reached a consensus in April 2002 to reduce by 2010, on a best endeavour basis, the regional emissions of SO2, NOx, RSP and VOC by 40%, 20%, 55% and 55% respectively, using 1997 as the base year. Achieving these targets will not only enable Hong Kong to meet its current AQOs but also significantly improve the air quality of the PRD and relieve the regional smog problem.
In December 2003, the two governments jointly drew up the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Management Plan (the "Management Plan" ) with a view to meeting the above emission reduction targets. The Pearl River Delta Air Quality Management and Monitoring Special Panel was also set up under the Hong Kong/Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection to follow up on the tasks under the Management Plan. In the past 12 months, the two sides held nine working meetings and conducted four site visits. Under the Management Plan, the two governments are setting up a regional air quality monitoring network this year.
After testing, the network will be in full operation next year to provide comprehensive and accurate air quality data. We will also complete a manual for compiling inventories of emissions by end-2004 to enable both sides to follow a consistent approach in assessing emission levels and monitoring the progress of emission reduction from next year onwards.
[Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring
Network]
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