On the air:
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau announces the Government plans to implement new air quality objectives in 2014.
Air-quality upgrades set for 2014
January 17, 2012
The Government plans to implement new air quality objectives in 2014.
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau said today it plans to combine the objectives with a package of air quality improvement measures, drawn up after a public consultation.
He said the objectives comply with the World Health Organisation’s new guidelines and practices in other advanced countries.
The Government has drawn up 19 air quality improvement measures and put forward additional initiatives targeting roadside nitrogen dioxide. Further measures include retrofitting Euro II and III franchised buses with catalytic reduction devices.
It has introduced the use of roadside remote sensing equipment to test for emissions.
He said the Government proposes a three-year transition period, during which the new objectives will not apply to applications for variation of an environmental permit.
It will start preparatory work to amend the Air Pollution Control Ordinance and table an amendment bill in the 2012-13 session of the Legislative Council, for implementation in 2014.
Mr Yau said the Government will review the objectives every five years.
