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The Air Pollution Control (Marine Light Diesel) Regulation will be gazetted this Friday (January 17) to introduce regulatory control on the quality of marine light diesel (MLD) with a view to reducing emissions from local vessels.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said that the Regulation provides for the specifications that must be met by locally supplied MLD, which include a 0.05 per cent sulphur limit, i.e. a 90 per cent reduction from the current sulphur content of MLD which is about 0.5 per cent.
"Marine vessels operating on 0.05 per cent sulphur diesel emit about 90 per cent less sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 30 per cent less respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) than those operating on 0.5 per cent sulphur diesel. Implementing the Regulation will reduce emissions of SO2 and RSPs from the marine sector by 19 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. This will help to improve the ambient air quality and reduce health risks for the population, especially those in the coastal areas," he said.
Any person who supplies non-compliant MLD may be liable to a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to three months.
The Regulation will be tabled in the Legislative Council for negative vetting on January 22. Subject to the approval of the Council, the Regulation will take effect on April 1, 2014.
Ends/Monday, January 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:31
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