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Following is a question by the Hon Joseph Lee and an oral reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (November 19):
Question:
I have recently received complaints alleging that some bulk infeed substations (BISs) cause noise nuisance to the residents nearby and may pose health hazards to them. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) it has studied the impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted from BISs on the health of the residents nearby; if it has, of the study results;
(b) it knows the existing number of BISs in the territory which are located less than six metres away from residential areas; and
(c) power companies have to comply with the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines on the provision of BISs; of the measures the Government has put in place to monitor the impact of the provision and operation of BISs on the surrounding environment as well as the livelihood and health of the residents; and of the government department(s) responsible for handling complaints about the electromagnetic radiation emitted from and noise nuisance caused by BISs?
Reply:
President,
(a) Taking account of the findings of various scientific researches and related health risk assessments, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection has developed the Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (the Guidelines). The World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages its members to adopt the Guidelines, and considers that at present there has yet to be sufficient evidence indicating that there is adverse health impact on human body exposed to electromagnetic fields under the reference level. The level of electromagnetic fields generated by bulk infeed substations in Hong Kong is way below the reference level as set out under the Guidelines. Though the Government has not carried out any study on the impact of Hong Kongˇ¦s substations on public health, we will closely monitor any scientific researches done by relevant international organisations (e.g. the WHO).
(b) According to the information got hold by the Administration, all bulk infeed substations of the two electric companies (CLP Power Hong Kong Limited and Hongkong Electric Company Limited) are at least six metres away from residential buildings.
(c) The purpose of the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) is to provide basic guidelines in the planning process to ensure that the Government will reserve adequate land for social and economic development and for providing appropriate public facilities to meet the needs of the public. In accordance with the established procedures, power companies should observe the relevant standards and guidelines in the HKPSG in planning for a substation. Where the proposed substation falls within Column 2 uses under the relevant Outline Zoning Plan (OZP), the companies should also apply to the Town Planning Board (TPB) for approval before construction. When the Planning Department (PD) receives an application for building a substation, it will consult the departments concerned including the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Office of the Telecommunications Authority, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Transport Department and the Lands Department etc. on the application. The PD will also publish information about the application on newspapers for public inspection, and consult the nearby residents and landlords on the proposed substation. The PD will then submit the public views and relevant departmentsˇ¦ advice together with its planning analysis on the application to the TPB for consideration. Applications will be considered by the TPB on their own merits. No matter whether the proposed substation falls within Columns 1 or 2 uses under the relevant OZP, the power companies will be required to submit relevant documents and plans regarding the proposed substation to the departments concerned such as the Buildings Department, the Fire Services Department etc. for approval. These approving departments will consult other departments on the proposal.
The construction and operation of the substations should comply with the various requirements of pollution control (including air, noise, water and waste). Should there be any pollution problems, the EPD will follow up and carry out enforcement immediately. Electricity supply equipment inside substations should also comply with the electrical safety requirements as set out in the relevant legislation.
EMSD will follow up any complaints on the level of electromagnetic fields generated by a substation, to ascertain whether the substation comply with the Guidelines. The public can also contact the Office of the Telecommunications Authority for investigation on any suspected interference with broadcasting or telecommunications services by a substation. The public can file complaint to the EPD for any noise nuisance from a substation. Upon receipt of the complaint, the EPD will deploy staff to carry out noise assessment at the affected area. If the level of noise exceeds the relevant standard, the EPD will serve a noise abatement notice requiring the responsible party to carry out improvement measures.
Ends/Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:45
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