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Press Release
Improving air quality tops EPD's agenda
Topping the agenda of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) this year is improving the air quality of Hong Kong, according to the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Mr Keith Kwok Ka-keung today (April 28).
Reviewing the work of the new EPD for the last 12 months since it merged with the Environment Branch of the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau in April last year, Mr Kwok said EPD was committed to tackling various environmental challenges in the coming months.
"Our achievements in the past year have demonstrated that the merged EPD is better placed to rise to these challenges. We have seen enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in decision making, policy formulation and execution. This is most important because time is of an essence when it comes to environmental protection," he added.
On improving air quality, Mr Kwok reiterated the importance of taking vigorous measures on all fronts to achieve the purpose.
This can be achieved through the progressive tightening of emissions caps for the power plants, the implementation of emission reduction projects, the use of ultra-low sulphur coals and natural gas for power generation, and the reduction of export of electricity to the Mainland when the power shortage in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) is eased.
On vehicle emissions, the Government has adopted Euro IV emission standards for all newly registered vehicles since January 1 this year in tandem with the European Union. EPD will continue to pursue other measures to further reduce vehicle emissions, thereby improving road-side air quality.
On the regional front, Mr Kwok said both Guangdong and Hong Kong were committed to achieving emissions reduction targets by 2010 as scheduled through the continued implementation of the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan.
"In this regard, we are working on the Emissions Trading Pilot Scheme for Thermal Power Plants in the PRD region with the Guangdong Environmental Protection Bureau. Details of the scheme are expected to be finalised in 2006," he added.
To provide information on air quality in the PRD region, the Regional Air Monitoring Network jointly established by Guangdong and Hong Kong was commissioned on 30 November 2005 with the daily reporting of a Regional Air Quality Index.
Under the Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste announced in December last year, Mr Kwok said EPD would be introducing umbrella legislation this year for implementing the Producer Responsibility Schemes (PRS) for products such as electrical and electronic equipment, vehicle tyres and plastic shopping bags.
"We will ensure that the PRS for specific products will be put in place progressively from 2007 onwards," he added.
The 20-hectare EcoPark in Tuen Mun Area 38 is a key element of Hong Kong's waste management strategy to promote local recycling of waste materials and its timely completion is instrumental to jumpstarting a circular economy in our efforts to tackle the urgent and serious waste problem here.
The EcoPark had been progressing speedily, and phase one would be available for occupation by the end of this year, Mr Kwok said.
On cleaning up the harbour, Mr Kwok said the Government had decided in principle to proceed with Stage 2A of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme and funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council had been obtained for preparatory work for the Stage 2A works.
The Government was now reviewing the existing sewage charging scheme in accordance with the "polluter-pays" principle and developing a proposal which would ensure an equitable distribution of the burden of the cost of sewage services amongst the public and all the affected trades.
"Moreover, we are making good progress in the site investigation for the deep tunnel system, the design of the system and the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Stage 2A works," he added.
Ends/Friday, April 28, 2006
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