Public Consultation on Air Quality Objectives Review -- 2009-07-23
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is now conducting a Public Consultation on the proposed new Air Quality Objectives until 30 November 2009.
The proposed new Air Quality Objectives are as follows -
(i) Adopting the concentration targets set out under WHO Air Quality Guidelines for sulphur dioxide (10-minute), nitrogen dioxide (1-hour and annual); carbon monoxide (1-hour and 8-hour) and lead (annual);
(ii) Adopting the concentration targets set out under WHO Interim Target IT 2 for respirable suspended particulates (PM 10) (24-hour and annual); and
(iii) Adopting the concentration targets set out under WHO IT1 for sulphur dioxide ( 24-hour) and fine suspended particulates (PM 2.5) (24-hour and annual), and the IT for ozone (8-hour).
To help achieve the proposed new Air Quality Objectives, the review recommends the following emission control measures-
Emission Capping and Control
1. Increasing the ratio of natural gas in local electricity generation to 50% together with additional emission abatement measures
2. Early retirement of aged/heavily polluting vehicles
3. Earlier replacement of Euro III commercial diesel vehicles with models meeting latest Euro standards
4. Wider use of hybrid/electric vehicles or other environment-friendly vehicles with similar performance
5. Ultra low sulphur diesel for local vessels
6. Selective catalytic reduction for local vessels
7. Electrification of aviation ground support equipment
8. Emission control for off-road vehicles/equipment
9. Strengthening volatile organic compounds control
Transport Management
10. Low emission zones
11. Car-free zones/pedestrianisation scheme
12. Bus route rationalisation
Infrastructure Development and Planning
13. Expand rail network
14. Cycling network to major public transport hubs
Energy Efficiency Measures
15. Mandatory implementation of Building Energy Codes
16. Energy efficiency standards for domestic electrical appliances
17. Light-emitting diode or equivalent alternatives for traffic signal / street lighting
18. Tree planting/roof-top greening
19. District cooling system for Kai Tak Development
Your comments and views are welcome. Please click here for details.
Source : Safety-yp.com & EPD
