EPD - Pollution Problems & Practical Solutions

Demolition
Pollution Type
Air
Problem
Dust
Relevant Env. Control Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation, Cap. 311R requires the relevant contractor to adopt effective dust control measures.
Practical Solutions
Close the main door all the time. Cover plastic sheet on top and seal door gaps with wet towels
Enclose the renovation work area with tight partitions in commercial premises
Enclose the work area with tight partition to avoid emission of fugitive dust and for aesthetic purpose.
Enclose the work area with tight partition to avoid emission of fugitive dust and for aesthetic purpose.
Cement, sand, debris or other dusty materials stored outside the site should be covered up or kept moist
Spray water before breaking, grinding, sand papering or wood cutting operation
Spray water when conducting dusty operation, such as breaking work.
Spray water when conducting dusty operation, such as breaking work.
Fit vacuum cleaner to grinding, sand papering or wood cutting machines
Maintain good house-keeping and increase the cleaning frequency of the surrounding areas
 
   
Pollution Type
Noise
Problem
-
Relevant Env. Control Under the Noise Control Ordinance, Cap. 400, use of powered mechanical equipment and noisy work is not allowed from 7pm to 7am on the next day or anytime on public holidays, including Sundays.
Practical Solutions
Restrict noisy works and use of noisy equipment, e.g. hand-held breakers or electric drills, to less sensitive hours of the day
Use quiet machine, such as hydraulic crusher for demolition
Use low noise equipment such as hydraulic crusher for demolition work.
Use low noise equipment such as hydraulic crusher for demolition work.
Use noise barrier or absorber when using noisy machines
Liaise with the most affected residents to schedule noisy works in mutually acceptable hours and period
Avoid noisy activities before 9am
Fit noise muffler to noisy machines
Place rubber mat/pad beneath work benches and noisy machines
 
   
Pollution Type
Waste & Water
Problem
-
Relevant Env. Control Under the Waste Disposal Ordinance, Cap. 354, it is prohibited to dump waste in public places or on Government land, or on private premises without the consent of the owner or occupier.
Practical Solutions
Require all owners and occupiers to notify the management office when they intend to carry out renovation works
Keep a record of the renovation waste generated from the premises undergoing renovation works
Avoid the accumulation of renovation waste by requiring its removal once it is generated and if possible assign a dedicated area for their temporary storage while awaiting removal
Encourage the use of wheeled bins/trolley for the transport and storage of renovation waste. These bins may also be fitted with an tag to identify the owners/occupiers of the premises generating the renovation waste
Use wheeled bins/trolley for the transport and storage of renovation waste.
Use wheeled bins/trolley for the transport and storage of renovation waste.
Warn the suspected offenders and gather details on the origin of the renovation waste for potential flytipping incidents
Report to the EPD of anyone seen dumping waste illegally
Enhance patrol and access control at potential flytipping blackspots
Enhance awareness by publicity works (obtain promotional leaflet on combating flytipping of construction waste from the EPD & distribute the leaflet to renovators to remind them on the importance of proper disposal of construction waste)
Incorporate clear instruction on waste disposal in your guidance notes for the owner and contractor carrying out the renovation works
Property management companies can consider opening a billing account with the EPD and offer a value-added disposal service for renovation waste by charging the responsible owner accordingly
Separate the non-recyclable materials into inert materials (e.g. soil, concrete and bricks) and non-inert materials (e.g. general rubbish)
Set up separated areas/individual containers for collection of different recyclable materials, e.g. paper, wood, metal and plastic
Arrange with recyclers a regular collection schedule for the recyclable materials
Arrange proper disposal of non-recyclable materials regularly. Inert materials should be disposed at public filling area while non-inert materials should be disposed at landfills