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   Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Selina Chow and an oral reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, in the Legislative Council meeting today (May 4) :

Question:

   Concerning the introduction of new measures to reduce various pollutions, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)  whether the government departments concerned study which of the new technologies developed overseas to tackle various pollutions, in particular air pollution and sewage, are suitable for introduction into Hong Kong; if so, of the new technologies these departments studied over the past three years, and those they plan to introduce in the next three years; and

(b)  as the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the authorities and the two power companies will expire in 2008, of the clauses the Administration intends to include in the new agreements with a view to reducing the emission of pollutants from power plants?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a)  The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and relevant departments always keep abreast of the latest development and application of pollution control technologies in Hong Kong and overseas. By introducing and revising pollution-related legislation, codes of practice and guidelines, the EPD promotes the application of mature pollution control technologies in specific projects, or requests relevant trades to comply with specified standards based on the new technologies.  It should be pointed out that the Government's strategy on pollution control technology is comprehensive and omni-directional.  Apart from research conducted by various governmental departments, we collaborated closely with tertiary institutions and made full use of existing resources and channels.  For instance, the Environment and Conservation Fund established in 1994 aims to, as one of its prime objectives, sponsor local educational institutes to conduct research and technology projects related to environmental protection and nature conservation.  The Fund recently sponsored researches on the reuse of plastic wastes, recycling of construction wastes, as well as uses of waste tyres.  All in all, we adopt an open and pragmatic attitude towards all technologies conducive to the protection of environment and the prevention and reduction of pollutions, with key emphasis on their cost-effectiveness.

   As far as air pollution is concerned, recent examples of pollution control technologies as investigated by the Government through different channels include the development of environmentally friendly motor vehicle technologies, cleaner motor vehicle fuels, vapour recovery systems at petrol filling stations, emission reduction techniques by power plants, emissions trading and satellite imaging for the monitoring of the air pollution conditions of the Pearl River Delta.

   As far as sewage treatment is concerned, research and development include the state-of-the-art chemically enhanced primary treatment technology as employed in the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage I, pilot plant trials on compact sewage treatment technologies (including the advanced biological aerated filter technology recommended by the International Review Panel), and a pilot scheme for effluent reuse at the Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Plant on Lantau Island upon its completion in end 2005.  The bioremediation treatment of the sediment of Shing Mun River is another successful example.

   In terms of renewable energy, studies as conducted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) include those on photovoltaic system, on-site wind recording system and assessment on the environmental impacts of wind systems, etc.  We also invite the two power companies to explore the construction of wind turbines for commercial application.  To promote energy efficiency, the EMSD has approved buildings at various districts to use water-cooled air conditioning system, which is more effective than air-cooled system, and is also studying the feasibility of regional cooling system.

   In the next few years, the EPD and relevant departments will continue to keep abreast of the latest advancements in air pollution control, sewage treatment and other technologies in the world that can help improve the environment, and consider the feasibility of their introduction into Hong Kong, including :

(i)  The possibility of earlier implementation of Euro V specifications for motor vehicle fuel, and monitor the progress of the biodiesel study in Japan;

(ii)  New exhaust emissions reduction devices, including continuously regenerating traps;

(iii)  Development of vehicle emissions monitoring technologies, including remote sensors targeted at diesel vehicles;

(iv)  To continue to urge the power companies to install more de-sulphurisation systems and low-NOx burners as appropriate to reduce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions;

(v)   To study the membrane biological filter and reverse osmosis, and implement a demonstration scheme on reclaimed water uses in the North District; and

(vi)  To study hybrid technology for sewage treatment and membrane biological reactor technology.

(b)   To achieve the 2010 emission reduction targets agreed between the Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities, we will impose caps on the total emissions of the power companies, make it a policy to require the power companies to maximise the use of natural gas in power generation and develop renewable energy, in accordance with the objectives set out in the 2005 Policy Address.  The Stage I public consultation on the future development of the post-2008 electricity market has just ended on April 30, 2005.  The Economic Development and Labour Bureau will consider the views received, map out the framework for the development of the post-2008 electricity market, and consult the public again on the framework at Stage II of the consultation in the latter half of this year.  The Government, in formulating the framework for development and the regulatory arrangements for the future electricity market, will consider, inter alia, how to reduce power generation emissions and develop renewable energy to achieve the objective of sustainable development.

Ends/Wednesday, May 4, 2005

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