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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Environmental Protection Bureau of Guangdong Province (GDEPB) today (January 8) announced the findings of the mid-term review of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) Regional Air Quality Management Plan. The report of the findings is available from the websites of the GDEPB (www.gdepb.gov.cn) and EPD (www.epd.gov.hk).
The mid-term review seeks to assess the effectiveness of the existing emission reduction measures contained in the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan; examine the emission trends of the four major air pollutants, namely, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), respirable suspended particulates (RSP) and volatile organic compounds (VOC); project the levels of emission and the extent to which the reduction targets could be achieved by 2010 based on the latest economic and social developments, and recommend necessary additional emission control measures.
The main conclusions of the mid-term review are summarised as follows:
- The emission reduction and control measures adopted by both sides under the management plan could bring about a positive impact on abating air pollutant emissions in the region, and are therefore conducive to achieving the agreed 2010 emission reduction targets by both sides;
- Upon implementation of the current and committed emission reduction measures under the management plan, the HKSAR should be able to fully meet the mutually agreed emission reduction targets by 2010; and
- In respect of the PRD Economic Zone, with its significant socio-economic developments which well exceeded the original estimates, the emission reduction targets could be achieved by 2010 upon implementation of additional enhanced control measures as recommended in the mid-term review report (see annex).
The mid-term review report was considered by the 10th working meeting of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference held today. Both sides reiterated their commitment to continuing with the various control measures set out in the management plan. The Guangdong Provincial Government will implement additional emission control measures in the PRD Economic Zone taking account of the recommendations of the mid-term review. Both sides also reaffirmed their determination to achieve in time the mutually agreed emission reduction targets by 2010.
The HKSAR and Guangdong Provincial Government reached a consensus in April 2002 to reduce, in their best endeavours, the emission of SO2, NOx, RSP and VOC by 40%ĦB20%ĦB55% and 55% respectively by 2010 in the PRD region, using 1997 as the base year. The consensus was achieved with reference to forecasts of the growth rates of the economy, population, electricity consumption and vehicle mileage in the PRD region made at that time.
The Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection (JWGSDEP) endorsed the management plan in December 2003 under which a series of emission reduction and preventive measures was adopted. The Special Panel on PRD Regional Air Quality Management and Monitoring under the JWGSDEP reviews and reports on the implementation progress and effectiveness of the management plan from time to time.
Ends/Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:03
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