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Study
to tackle water pollution caused by toxic substances
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Tuesday) started an environmental
investigation in an effort to tackle pollution problems caused
by toxic substances in the aquatic environment.
The study includes a comprehensive survey to identify and
quantify the trade, usage, production and disposal of priority
toxic substances, assess the potential threat any such substances
may pose to aquatic life and human health, and make recommendations
for their proper control and management in Hong Kong.
The $10
million-study was awarded to EHS Consultants Limited, and
is expected to take 28 months to complete.
Speaking
after the agreement signing ceremony, the Assistant Director
of Environmental Protection (Waste and Water), Mr Benny Wong
said the study would provide the Government with a sound scientific
basis for the formulation of an effective toxic substances
pollution control strategy aimed at safeguarding the health
and welfare of the local community and our environment.
"Over
the past 20 years, the Government has made significant progress
in providing sewerage and treatment facilities for municipal
wastewater and in controlling the industrial discharge of
heavy metals.
"However,
other toxic chemical pollutants like agricultural pesticides
and organic compounds from diffuse sources, which are less
easily detected and measured, still find their way into the
environment.
"In
order to devise an effective mechanism to control toxic substances
pollution, there is a need to identify the sources and levels
of toxic chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment and
their potential impacts on local organisms," he said.
END/Tuesday,
October 26, 1999
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