NEW AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES

Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) have remained unchanged for more than two decades, attracting criticism that they do not reflect recent scientific evidence on the health impacts of air pollution. The Government therefore launched a review of AQOs and consulted the public, and in early 2012 it announced a proposal for updating Hong Kong's AQOs.

The new AQOs were drafted with reference to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the practices of advanced countries. Legislative amendments are being drafted and will be tabled to the Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2013. Subject to LegCo approval, they would come into effect in 2014. The Government will also review the practicability of further tightening the AQOs at least once every five years and formulate new air quality improvement measures as necessary.

To help achieve the proposed new AQOs as quickly as possible, the Government has also drafted additional measures to improve air quality. These build on existing efforts and include emission caps and controls, traffic related measures, infrastructure and development, and energy efficiency improvements. These measures are substantially reported in this report, in the Air and Energy sections.

Proposed new AQOs for Hong Kong chart expand

Proposed new AQOs for Hong Kong

REDUCING POLLUTION FROM MARINE VESSELS

The Government's success in reducing most pollutants from vehicles and stationary sources has brought into sharper relief another source of air pollution: marine vessels. In 2011, 54 per cent of sulphur dioxide emissions in Hong Kong came from boats and ships. It is now time to reduce this source of pollution.

In 2012 the three-year Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme was launched to offer a 50 per cent reduction in these dues to ocean-going vessels that switch to cleaner fuel while berthing in Hong Kong waters. Hong Kong is one of the world's busiest ports so this incentive has the potential to send a signal that resonates beyond the city's borders. By the end of the year 839 vessel-calls participated in the scheme.

We also want to reduce pollution from local vessels. A Working Group on Upgrading the Quality of Marine Light Diesel was formed in June 2012 to look at the feasibility of tightening the sulphur content of local marine diesel from 0.5 per cent to 0.05 per cent. Membership includes representatives of the EPD, Marine Department, Transport Department and local vessel operators, and a non-government expert on marine engineering. EPD also commissioned a trial to ascertain the technical feasibility of powering local vessel engines with diesel containing 0.05 per cent sulphur.

As pollution has no boundaries and Hong Kong and Guangdong are in the same airshed, we are continuing discussions with the Guangdong government on requiring ocean-going vessels to switch to low-sulphur fuel while berthing in all Pearl River Delta waters.

It is now time to reduce emissions from marine vessels

It is now time to reduce emissions from marine vessels

Reducing pollution from local vessels is also one of our tasks.

Reducing pollution from local vessels is also one of our tasks.