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The Environmental Protection Department today (June 5) awarded a consultancy agreement to Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd to undertake a comprehensive study to draw up a new set of Air Quality Objectives for Hong Kong and devise a long-term plan for meeting the new objectives.
A department spokesman said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced in October last year an updated set of Air Quality Guidelines. These new guidelines recommended progressive interim targets and provided a scientific basis for supporting the development of air quality policies and management strategies in various parts of the world to protect human health.
"Through the study, we will evaluate carefully the need and justifications for revising local air quality objectives according to the principles suggested by WHO and taking into account local factors and considerations," he said.
The study will examine in details the new WHO Air Quality Guidelines and the findings of relevant reviews in the advanced countries. It will provide detailed information on required specific measures, their implications and available options for achieving any new air quality objectives for Hong Kong.
"Public participation will be essential. Upon completing the study by the end of 2008, we plan to launch a thorough public engagement process so as to finalise the new objectives and the required long-term strategy on air quality management within 2009," the spokesman said.
"To ensure that the study will be properly conducted, we plan to set up an Advisory Panel comprising members from the Advisory Council on the Environment, experts from different sectors, academics of relevant disciplines and representatives from relevant government bureaus," he said.
Ends/Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:00
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