Policy Address

IX. Environmental Protection and Conservation

Air Quality

198.         From 2010 to 2015, air quality has improved considerably.  The average ambient and roadside concentrations of major air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and respirable suspended particulates, saw drops ranging from 12% to 25%, though that of ozone increased due to the regional smog problem.  The Government will proceed with the review of the Air Quality Objectives within this year. 

199.         Co-operation with the Mainland will be strengthened.  The focus will be on designating an emission control area in the waters of the Pearl River Delta, reducing emissions from marine vessels, monitoring air quality, and studying the formation and control of ozone and fine suspended particulates. 

Water Quality of Victoria Harbour

200.         The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A has been completed, and overall water quality has improved further.  In the past year, the biochemical oxygen demand decreased by 20% and the level of Escherichia coli decreased by 74%.  The Government will undertake a study on ways to further tackle the problem of pollution and odour nuisance caused by the discharge of urban residual pollutants into urban coastal waters, as part of our efforts to promote a water-friendly culture.  The target is to complete the study in two years.  At the same time, the Government is preparing for the construction of dry weather flow interceptors and the rehabilitation of trunk sewers in Kowloon and Tsuen Wan to reduce residual pollution discharge along the shore of Victoria Harbour as soon as possible.  Furthermore, a pilot scheme will be implemented to establish angling zones in venues under management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).

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