Hong Kong must work closely with Guangdong to reduce emissions from regional sources, the Environmental Protection Department says, adding it will continue to explore practicable and effective measures to improve the city's air quality.

Commenting on a report on local air pollution, the department reiterated that it has placed air-quality improvement on top of its agenda. 

Findings consistent with Gov't data

The report entitled Relative Significance of Local vs Regional Sources: Hong Kong's Air Pollution noted that, in terms of mass concentration, regional sources from the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone account for approximately 60% of the pollution levels in Hong Kong in annual average terms. In winter time, this percentage rises to 70%.

Such findings are consistent with the findings of the Study of Air Quality in the Pearl River Delta Region the department published in 2002. The findings are also consistent with the department's monitoring data which indicates air-pollution levels were much higher in winter than in summer time. 

The report has called for action to target emission sources including power generation, land transportation and marine transportation. These recommendations are consistent with the comprehensive package of measures the Government adopts to reduce air-pollutant emissions from local sources.

Gov't measures effective

The department said the measures have yielded concrete results. The total amount of nitrogen oxides, respirable suspended particulates and volatile organic compounds generated in Hong Kong in 2005 were reduced by 15%, 36% and 26% compared to 1997.