Professional Certificate in Environmental

Management for Construction (Environmental Officer)

Environmental Legislation – Water Pollution Control

June 2010

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1.0 WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG

1.1 The State of Our Waters

Water pollution can be invisible to the naked eye, but its impacts are for the most part clear
enough. Bacteria, nutrients and other pollutants can make swimmers sick, contaminate or kill
marine life, and give off bad smells. Like other major cities in the world, Hong Kong is
working diligently to improve its water quality. Our pollutants come from human and
industrial sources and livestock farms, and programmes are underway to reduce pollution loads.
At the same time, we are working hard to retain the unspoiled clean water in remote areas.

Our water quality has improved within some parameters in recent years, but it is not enough
for a clean bill of health, particularly in areas like Inner Deep Bay and Victoria Harbour. An
expected growth in population will put added pressure on water quality.

1.2 Improvements Made

The EPD has an extensive programme for cleaning up Hong Kong's waters which has had
good results. The number of beaches meeting the Water Quality Objective for bathing water
increased to 34 in 2007, compared with 26 in 1997. The number of river monitoring stations
with bad or very bad water quality dropped, from 52 per cent in 1988, to less than 15 per cent
in recent years.

Toxic metal discharges have been reduced from 7,000 kilogrammes per day in 1993 to 2,000
kilogrammes per day in 2000. In Victoria Harbour, the first stage of the Harbour Area
Treatment Scheme (HATS) to collect and to treat the sewage generated around the harbour
was completed at the end of 2001. Now, 75 per cent of sewage around the Victoria Harbour
receives chemical treatment. As a result, the dissolved oxygen in the harbour waters has
increased by about 10% and the levels of key pollutants in the harbour area waters have
generally decreased. The Government is now implementing the first phase of the second stage
of HATS aiming to clean up the remaining 25% of sewage that flows into the harbour.

2.0 CONTROLLING WATER POLLUTION

2.1 Introduction
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 Water quality is one of the most vital aspects of our environment. Effective control of water
pollution has been a long process which began with the introduction of the Water Pollution
Control Ordinance. The Ordinance has undergone a series of amendments, but its underlying
goals have not been changed. The EPD is required to achieve and maintain water quality
objectives in order to promote conservation and the best uses of Hong Kong's water in the
public interest. Water quality improves only when we stop dumping untreated or inadequately
treated sewage into the sea and the local rivers, streams and bays. The government has a
three-pronged approach for dealing with the problem: controlling pollution at source,
providing sewers, and collecting and treating sewage.

2.2 Controlling At Source

The EPD controls waste water discharges through the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.
Operators are required to ensure their discharges meet standards specified by the EPD, and
these specifications are contained in licences allowing them to discharge their waste water into
receiving water bodies. The EPD regularly inspects operators, responds to complaints and will
prosecute offenders.

2.3 Providing Sewers

All sewage should be discharged into sewers, not stormwater drains which are only meant to
carry rainwater into the sea. The EPD is trying to extend the public sewer networks in the NT
and new development areas. The department prepares sewerage masterplans and the works are
carried out by the Drainage Services Department. The plans are revised to take into account a
projected population increase of about two million by 2016.

2.4 Collecting and Treating Sewage

The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) is a strategy for collecting and treating sewage
from both sides of Victoria Harbour. Stage 1 of HATS, which intercepts sewage from
Kowloon and part of Hong Kong Island and delivers it to Stonecutters Island Sewage
Treatment Works for chemical treatment, was brought into operation in late 2001. Following
studies, trials and a public consultation exercise, the Government developed a two-phase
programme (Stage 2A and 2B) which will provide additional facilities to convey all sewage
from the northern and south-western areas of Hong Kong Island to Stonecutters Island Sewage
Treatment Works for chemical treatment and disinfection in Stage 2A, and in Stage 2B,
biological treatment. The Government is now implementing HATS Stage 2A (3D Animation
of HATS Stage 2A) aiming for completion in 2014. Elsewhere, a collection and treatment
system in Tolo Harbour has resulted in a drop in red tides from 43 in 1988 to less than 20 in
recent years.

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2.5 What You Can Do

Individual operators, such as restaurants and factories, can help to make a difference by
ensuring they follow anti-pollution laws. Residents should co-operate with efforts to connect
their buildings to sewers. They can also try to reduce their consumption of water, thereby
reducing the amount of sewage that needs treatment.

2.6 Compliance Guides

A Guide to the Water Pollution Control Ordinance

Grease Traps for Restaurants and Food Processors

Guidance Notes on Discharges from Village Houses

Guidelines for the Design of Small Sewage Treatment Plants

Connections to Sewers Under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance

Technical Memorandum Standards for Effluents Discharged into Drainage

and Sewerage Systems, Inland and Coastal Waters

3.0 LEGISLATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF WATER QUALITY

3.1 Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358)

The Water Pollution Control Ordinance, enacted in 1980, is the main legislation to control
water pollution in Hong Kong. The ordinance and its subsidiary legislation allow the
Government to declare Hong Kong waters into ten water control zones (WCZs). Control of
discharges in these zones to achieve and maintain water quality objectives is exercised mainly
through a licensing system. The first water control zone was "Tolo Harbour and Channel
Water Control Zone" which commenced on 1 April 1987. The rest of Hong Kong waters were
progressively brought under legislative control over the next 12 years.

The last two WCZs to be declared were "Second Southern Supplementary WCZ" and "North
Western Supplementary WCZ" and their commencement dates were the same, i.e. 1 November
1999. Additional provisions on water quality management are also contained in other pieces of
legislation. This body of environmental legislation will ensure that sewage and industrial
wastewater will be discharged in an environmentally acceptable manner.

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 All discharges, other than domestic sewage to a foul sewer or unpolluted water to a storm drain,
must be covered by an effluent discharge licence. The licence specifies the permitted physical,
chemical and microbial quality of the effluent and the general guidelines are that the effluent
does not damage sewers or pollute inland or inshore marine waters. Details of the effluent
standards can be found in the Technical Memorandum on Effluent Discharges.

Legal controls also apply to sewerage connections. The Government is extending public
sewers to some major rural areas in an effort to improve the environment there. In areas where
these new sewers become available, a notice would be issued asking owners to connect their
sewage to the public sewer. If necessary, a further notice may be issued asking the owner to
demolish or fill in any redundant sewage treatment facilities or septic tanks and soakaway-pits.

3.2 Environmental Legislation for Water Quality Management

Legislation Description of Control

Water Pollution Control Ordinance Provides for the designation of control zones within which
(Cap.358) 1980 discharges of effluent other than domestic sewage into a foul
sewer must be licensed.

Water Pollution Control (General) Gives practical effect to the ordinance.

Regulations 1986

Water Pollution Control (Appeal Sets out procedures to be followed in appeals against orders
Board) Regulations 1985 made or directions given under the ordinance.

Water Pollution Control (Sewerage) Imposes requirements on private lot owners to collect and
Regulation 1994 convey wastewater to public sewers and provides for control
over the operation and maintenance of private wastewater
treatment facilities.

Buildings Ordinance (Cap.123) 1956 Allows the Building Authority to require adequate waste
treatment facilities in any new building. Provides for control
over the design of refuse chutes within buildings, private
drainage works and oil storage facilities.

Buildings Ordinance (Application to Similar provisions to Cap.123.

the New Territories) (Cap.121) 1987

Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap.354) Prohibits livestock keeping in urban areas and provides for
1980 control over the discharge or deposit of livestock waste in
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 designated control areas.

Public Health and Municipal Provides for control over the discharge of hazardous
Services Ordinance (Cap.132) 1960 materials to sewers, and for the control of littering. Also
provides for the designation of bathing beaches and the
control of pollution at such beaches, together with swimming
pools and wells.

Dumping At Sea Ordinance (Cap. Provides for control on marine dumping, extends control on
466) 1995 marine pollution, gives legal effect to the Marine Dumping
Action Plan.

Foreshores and Sea Bed Provides for the control of reclamation and use of the
(Reclamations) Ordinance (Cap.127) foreshore and seabed.
1985

Shipping and Port Control Ordinance Prohibits pollution of the sea by oil from land-based as well
(Cap.313) 1978 as marine sources, and also the dumping of refuse and general
littering from vessels or port-based operations.

Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Provides for the prevention and control of pollution from
Control of Pollution) Ordinance ships.
(Cap.413)
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Implements control over oil pollution from ships.
Oil Pollution) Regulations 1984 (sub.
leg. of Cap.413)

Merchant Shipping (Control of Implements control over the indiscriminate discharge of

Pollution by Noxious Liquid noxious liquid substances from ships.
Substances in Bulk) Regulations
1987 (sub. leg. of Cap. 413)

Waterworks Ordinance (Cap.102) Prohibits polluting discharges in water gathering grounds.

1975

Radiation Ordinance (Cap.303) 1957 Controls the use and disposal of radioactive substances.

Fisheries Protection Ordinance Prohibits the use of explosives and poisons for fishing.
(Cap.171) 1962

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Summary Offences Ordinance Contains provisions relating to littering offences including
(Cap.228) 1933 marine littering.

3.3 Amendment of Water Pollution Control Ordinance

The Water Pollution Control Ordinance enacted in 1980 enables the Government to set up
water control zones in which regulations are applied to control effluent discharges with the aim
of achieving water quality objectives in each zone. It was amended in 1990 to expand the
scope and allow for tighter controls on effluent discharge. Further amendments were made in
1993 to impose controls on the connection of wastewater to the public sewerage system and
the proper operation and maintenance of private communal sewage treatment plants.

Legislation Description of Control

Water Pollution Control (Amendment)
Ordinance 1990
Removes an exemption which gave
polluters the right to continue discharging
as they had before the enactment of this
ordinance and extends the ordinance's
protection to ground water and water
supply catchments.

Water Pollution Control (Amendment) Requires property owners to connect

Ordinance 1993 wastewater to the public foul sewerage
system, ensures that private communal
sewage treatment plants are operated
properly and allows the government to
carry out the necessary work on a cost
recovery basis when the government
requirements are not upheld.

Details of the ordinances and regulations can be found in the "Bilingual Laws Information System"
web site of the Department of Justice at http://www.legislation.gov.hk/.

4.0 CONSTRUCTION SITE WASTEWATER DISCHARGE

4.1 Main Types of Discharges

‧ Excavation work, bore piling – muddy water, bentonite

‧ Dust control - site watering & car washing
‧ Domestic sewage - canteen & toilet effluent
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 ‧ Surface run-off - contaminated Rainwater

4.2 Licensing Requirements

‧ The discharge is subject to licensing control by EPD

‧ Comply with the discharge standard as well as the terms and conditions of the effluent
discharge licence
‧ Reference: Technical Memorandum – Standrads for Effluents Discharged into Drainage
& Sewage Systems, Inland & Coastal Waters
‧ Connect proper site drainage for collecting wastewater
‧ Reference: Construction Site Drainage (ProPECC PN 1/94)

5.0 APPLICATION FOR LICENCES

5.1 Activity which involves the discharge of effluent into foul sewers,
storm water drains, inland waters or coastal waters in Hong Kong

Effluent from industrial, institutional and commercial premises, discharge of domestic sewage
from institutional and commercial premises in unsewered areas, domestic sewage treatment
plant and domestic premises in unsewered areas are subject to control and a valid licence is
required before any of these discharges commences. The licence contains terms and conditions
specifying requirements of the effluent discharge, e.g. the discharge location, quantity and
quality of the effluent, sampling points and any monitoring that is required to be carried out by
the dischargers. The fees are dependent upon the types and quantities of the discharge and are
subject to review.

5.2 How to apply

a) The applicant shall be either the person who makes or authorises the discharge, or the owner
or occupier of the premises from which the discharge is made.

b) Application should be made in a Form A prescribed under the said Ordinance.

c) For licence renewal, application shall be made not earlier than 4 months and not later than 2
months before the date of the expiry of the licence.

5.3 Documents to be submitted

a) A duly completed Application Form A (EPD 117).

b) Copy of the Business Registration Certificate and Certificate of Incorporation if appropriate;

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 c) Estimate of discharge flow rate with supporting documents, for example, copies of the latest
three consecutive water bills for your discharges;

d) Layout plan of your site indicating the drainage system, effluent discharge point, discharge
route and connection location to public foul sewers or stormwater drain;

e) A prescribed application fee as determined according to the table on the Submission

Checklist for Discharge licence under Water Pollution Control Ordinance. Payment shall be
made by crossed cheque made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region.

Applications should be submitted to any of the Customer Service Counters of EPD. For more
information, please refer to the A Guide to the Water Pollution control Ordinance and the
"Technical Memorandum on Standards for Effluent Discharged into Drainage and Sewerage
Systems, Inland and Coastal Waters"; both published by EPD.

6.0 PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION TRADE

Partnership with the construction industry is in action. EPD in collaboration with the Hong
Kong Construction Association, Construction Industry Training Authority, and Institution of
Vocational Education of Vocational Training Council, has prepared the following education
and training materials to help strengthen the environmental awareness and to facilitate
institutional training to the construction workforce as well as to promote sharing and adopting
good environmental practice in the workplace.

a) Pocket Handbook (Chinese version only / approx. 5.8MB) on environmentally friendly

construction techniques

b) Train-the-Trainer Package containing environmental requirement and tips of green

construction on reducing and controlling

Air Pollution, (approx. 10 MB)

Construction Noise, (approx. 13 MB)

Construction and Demolition Waste, (approx. 9 MB)

and Water & Waste from Construction Site. (approx. 17 MB)

c) Videos showing

Low Waste Construction (approx. 180 MB) ), and

Construction Site Dust Management.(Cantonese version only / approx. 170 MB)

d) Websites - These are the websites which contain practicable examples that were or are being
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 used in some of the construction sites.
You are invited to share your good environmental practice with the trade through the Green
Construction Examples website.
You may also go to this website Achievements in Environmental Pollution Control on Construction
Activities to view some of the examples collected previously.

7.0 GREEN CONSTRUCTION EXAMPLES

EPD has been co-working with the trade to promote the use of green construction practices.
The following reference material gave examples of the application of green construction
practices in the local setting.

• Green Construction Pocket Handbook (Chinese Version Only)

• Guidance Notes for Green Construction Part 1/ Part 2 (Chinese Version Only)
• Guidebook for Construction Industry
• Environmental Guide for Smart Business

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