This
is the second environmental report of the Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department. In the past year,
we continued our efforts in adopting green management
to help protect the environment. We have monitored
the effectiveness of the green measures that were
put in place and improved them as necessary. We have
also reviewed our environmental objectives and incorporated
new techniques that bring about good environmental
impact when delivering our services.
In
this report, we aim to cover the green measures adopted
and our performance in 2001. We also set out plans
for 2002 for continuous improvement.
Chapter
2 - PROFILE OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Our
department is responsible for food safety control,
import control on live food animals, management of
food incidents and environmental hygiene services
and facilities.
We
have two major areas of responsibilities: environmental
hygiene services and food and public health services.
Environmental
Hygiene Services
We
strive to provide and maintain a clean and hygienic
living environment for the people of Hong Kong through
organizing and delivering high standard environmental
hygiene services in the following major areas -
ØPublic
cleansing services;
ØLicensing
and control of food businesses;
ØProvision
and management of environmental hygiene facilities;
and
ØControl
of street trading activities.
Public
Cleansing Services
We
are committed to keeping public places clean, tidy
and free of litter. Direct public cleansing services
range from street sweeping and washing, collection
of household waste and on-street litter, gully emptying,
desludging, to providing toilets for public convenience.
These services are provided by our 5 300 cleansing
staff or by our private contractors whose services
are under our close supervision.
We
provide more than 16 000 litter containers and 400
dog excreta collection bins throughout Hong Kong.
These containers are emptied at least once a day.
On household waste, we collect about 5 940 tonnes
of household waste daily by a fleet of 387 modern
refuse collection vehicles.
Licensing
and Control of Food Businesses
We
license food businesses to safeguard public health
and safety and conduct regular inspections to ensure
hygiene standards of licensed food premises are met.
We also take law enforcement actions such as prosecutions,
summary arrests, imposition of court orders, daily
fines and suspension or cancellation of licences against
unlicensed and unhygienic premises.
Provision
and Management of Environmental Hygiene Facilities
We
manage 36 cooked food centers, 24 free-standing cooked
food markets and 81 public markets where some 13 000
stalls offer a wide variety of commodities ranging
from fresh produce, meat and poultry to household
items. We are also responsible for the management
of 11 public cemeteries, six crematoria and eight
gardens of remembrance.
Control
of Street Trading Activities
On-street
hawking is an accepted social and economic activity
and has become part of Hong Kong¡¦s way of life.
We are the authority responsible for hawker management.
Through licensing and enforcement of legislation,
environmental nuisance caused by street trading activities
is minimised.
Food
and Public Health Services
We
monitor the safety of imported and locally produced
food to ensure that food available for human consumption
is wholesome, unadulterated and properly labelled.
We also aim to safeguard public health through testing
and control of live food animals; to prevent vector-borne
diseases and provide advice to the public on proper
food and environmental hygiene practices. The major
areas of work include -
ØFood
surveillance and certification;
ØRisk
assessment and communication; and
ØPest
control.
Food
Surveillance and Certification
We
take samples at import, wholesale and retail points
for chemical, microbiological, radioactivity and toxicological
tests to ascertain their fitness for human consumption.
Pre-packaged food is also checked for compliance with
food labelling laws.
Risk
Assessment and Communication
We
conduct risk assessment on food safety, set food standards
and recommend food safety control measures. On risk
communication, we introduce and promote the Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach to
ensure food safety and provide food safety information
to the public and the food industry on a regular basis.
Pest
Control
We
give advice on pest control and prevention to government
departments and the general public. Our work includes
surveillance and monitoring of pest problems to prevent
local transmission and investigation of vector borne
diseases. Operational services on pest control are
carried out by district pest control sections.
Chapter
3 - ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Our
statement on environmental policy is as follows -
Food
and Environmental Hygiene Department is committed
to ensuring that all our services are delivered in
an environmentally responsible manner, particularly
in the collection, recycling and reduction of waste,
conservation of energy and water, and prevention of
air, noise, water and soil pollution. We will also
promote green housekeeping in premises that we manage.
Chapter
4 - ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE
In
line with Government¡¦s efforts to protect the
environment, we have incorporated environmental considerations
in the formulation of our policy and the delivery
of our services to ensure that all our operations
are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
The following is an account of our main objectives
and performance for our operations and services in
2001.
OBJECTIVE
: TO REDUCE WASTE IN OUR OPERATIONS
Our
Performance
Waste
Recycling in Waste Collection Programme
In
support of the Government¡¦s Waste Reduction
Framework Plan 1998-2007, we have increased the provision
of waste separation bins for the collection of waste
paper, aluminum cans and plastic bottles from 203
sets in 2000 to 565 sets in 2001. The sets of three
waste separation bins are placed at convenient public
locations including MTR exits, KCR exits, bus termini,
ferry piers and refuse collection points. Our contractors
collect and deliver the recyclable waste to recyclers
for recycling purpose.
Chemical
Waste Recovery and Waste Water Drainage at Vehicle
Depots
Waste
lubrication oil, spent batteries and air conditioning
refrigerants from vehicles are properly recovered
and collected by approved contractors. During the
year, we have increased the quantity of waste lubrication
oil recovered from vehicles to 11 000 litres per annum,
compared to 8 000 litres per annum in 2000. Proper
drainage systems are also provided for vehicle washing
bays to avoid pollution to storm water drainage.
All
the departmental depots are in compliance with the
requirements under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste)
(General) Regulation and Water Pollution Control Ordinance
and are issued with relevant licences by the Environmental
Protection Department (EPD).
Food
Safety and Control
The
amount and the way in which unwholesome food is destroyed
is interrelated with the overall environmental objective
of producing less waste and mitigating nuisances arising
from waste disposal. To this end, we exercise tight
control on the import of certain categories of high-risk
food including game, meat, poultry, milk and frozen
confections. We also conduct food surveillance programme
through sampling at different stages of the food supply
chain - from import and manufacture to the wholesale
and retail stages.
The
amount of food found unfit and voluntarily surrendered
for destruction in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 was 883.8
M/T, 787.5 M/T, 530 M/T and 514 M/T respectively.
We would closely monitor the disposal of unfit food
to ensure that it is in strict compliance with EPD
guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
: TO MINIMISE POLLUTION IN THE DELIVERY OF OUR SERVICES
Our
Performance
Licensing
Control and Enforcement on the Operation of Food Premises
To
ensure that waste generated from the operation of
food premises is properly handled, we conduct regular
inspections to licensed food premises to check that
-
Øgrease
traps installed in food premises are functioning
properly to prevent discharge of oil or grease
into public drains or sewers;
Øplumbing
systems in food premises are properly maintained
to prevent discharge of offensive or noxious effluents
into public places;
Øfumes
and hot air are discharged in such manner as not
to be a nuisance. Metal hood, air-ducts, extraction
fans, grease filters/water scrubbers of exhaust
systems are maintained in good order;
Øwaste
is properly stored in dustbins for collection;
and
Øno
smoking area together with sufficient and proper
no smoking signs are provided in restaurants having
more than 200 seats for customers.
Enforcement
action will be taken on those food premises not compiling
with the licensing conditions. In 2001, we conducted
403 408 inspections to food premises and took 7 229
prosecution actions against food premises.
Cremation
Services
To
control the quality and volume of emissions generated
from cremation services, we
Øensure
regular servicing and maintenance of the cremators
by Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
(EMSD);
Øinstall
a Telemetry and Monitoring System with online
computerised network supplying information to
EPD for monitoring the pollution level. Monitoring
system with temperature recorders are installed
in major crematoria;
Øuse
the less sulphur content (0.05%) diesel for cremation;
and
Øenlist
the support of the public and funeral service
operators to use environmental-friendly coffins
through the issue of pamphlets and regular meetings
with the funeral trade.
On
cremation facilities, the construction of a new crematorium
in Kwai Chung with four cremators to replace the existing
one has started in early 2001. The works are expected
to be completed in late 2002.
Environmental
Hygiene Facilities
Efforts
are made to improve the drainage systems in our venues
including markets, hawker bazaars and refuse collection
points (RCPs). All cooked food markets have proper
drainage systems with grease traps to prevent the
discharge of excessive pollutants into surface channels.
To
prevent odour and pollution from RCPs, newly built
RCPs will be installed with a water scrubber system,
while existing RCPs will be retro-fitted with water
scrubber system or activated carbon filtration system
in phases if circumstances permit.
OBJECTIVE:
TO MINIMISE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PEST CONTROL
OPERATIONS
Our
Performance
In
the prevention and control of public health pests,
we have adopted an Integrated Pest Management approach
to rationalise the work to minimise the impact of
pest prevention and control on non-target animals
and the environment. It includes finding out the causes
of pest infestation and then determining the choice
of control method(s). Pest control operations are
evaluated regularly and will be terminated if no longer
necessary. Advice on environmental improvement for
solving pest problems is given to the parties concerned.
Environmental-friendly
methodologies, technologies and products are used.
Non-chemical means will be considered before adopting
the use of pesticides. We are also very cautious in
the choice of pesticides so that pest disinfestations
are carried out effectively and with the least impact
on the environment. Pests and nuisance causing animals
are disinfested judiciously to avoid unnecessary disturbance
to the ecological system.
Non-chemical
Prevention and Control
Mosquito
breeding can be forestalled by killing the insect
at its adult or/and larval/pupal stages. Application
of pesticides has an immediate effect but kills other
insects as well. We strive to improve the environment
so that it becomes unfavourable for mosquitoes to
breed. We shall apply larvicidal oil or pesticide
strictly on a need basis and to specific spots only.
In 2001, the amount of larvicidal oil applied in streams
was 28 421 litres, representing a 34% decrease as
compared to the amount used in 2000.
In
preventing malaria transmission, an environmental
control approach has been adopted and found to be
successful. The prevention programme is mainly confined
to densely populated areas with a high risk of malaria
transmission. In the year, we have put in place a
control programme against malaria transmissible mosquitoes,
covering a total of 647 streams.
In
areas where malaria vector mosquitoes are detected
but with a low population, mosquito larvae eating
fishes are released to abate mosquito breeding. To
further reduce the impact on the environment, Bacillus
thuringiensis israelensis are used for killing
mosquito larvae. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
produce crystal proteins which can be converted into
toxins in the gut of the mosquito larva. The toxins
act on larvae of limited species including mosquitoes,
blackflies and non-biting midges.
Pesticides
The
use of pesticides is sometimes unavoidable in pest
prevention and disinfestations but they are usually
also harmful to non-target animals and plants. To
minimise the detrimental effect to non-target living
organisms, we choose synthetic pyrethroid insecticides
which generate less hazards to human beings.
In
rodent disinfestations, anticoagulants are used although
it takes a longer time to kill the animal. With the
right dosage, chosen bait, selected baiting locales
and a well-designed baiting programme, the use of
anticoagulants is considered much safer than acute
rodenticides. Trapping of rodents is preferred to
using chemicals. In drawing up rodent disinfestation
programmes, we always take into account the environmental
concern. During the year, we laid poison baits at
58 724 points and 3 247 traps, disposing of 48 944
rodents.
Judicious
Disinfestations
Although
some arthropods such as wasps, wild bees, ants, millipedes,
motes, etc. are harmful or cause nuisance to human
beings, they are not killed unless they pose a threat.
When these insects have to be disinfested, non-chemical
means will be considered before resorting to pesticides.
The control measures include a choice of physical,
environmental, biological, legal or chemical methods.
Chapter
5 - PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
To
promote a green office environment and to achieve
continual improvement in the efficient use of resources,
we constantly remind our staff of good green housekeeping
measures and organise education programmes and campaigns.
OBJECTIVE
: TO PROMOTE GREEN HOUSEKEEPING WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT
Our
Performance
To
Use More Green Products
We
continue our efforts to use and purchase more green
products. In 2001, we have established a list of green
products such as recycled photocopying and duplicating
papers, recyclable toner cartridges for printers and
photocopiers, mercury-free batteries and environmental-friendly
soap and liquid detergent as our standard stock items
to meet the daily operational requirement. In the
near future, we plan to replace the conventional black
lead pencil with green products like Clutch Pencil
and Lead Refill. They will become our standard stock
range.
To
Reduce Consumption of Paper
We
constantly remind our staff on paper-saving measures
such as -
Økeeping
photocopying to the minimum;
Øsharing
copies of circulars, memoranda or publications
on a team or division basis instead of making
personal copies;
Øreviewing
distribution lists regularly to keep duplication
to the minimum;
Ønot
sending a covering memorandum and fax leading
page when forwarding a document without additional
message;
Øusing
A5-size paper for short letters and memoranda;
and
Øusing
paper on both sides.
In
2001, we have successfully reduced the consumption
of paper by 9.6 % when compared with the consumption
in 2000.
To
Promote the Use of Electronic Communication
We
provide PCs and email facilities to all officers with
operational needs to promote electronic communications.
In 2001, the number of email users has increased to
over 1 750. We encourage our staff to communicate
through electronic mail as far as practicable. We
post notices, circulars, telephone directories and
other information that require wide circulation on
the department¡¦s electronic bulletin board
for sharing.
To
Reduce Consumption of Other Stationery
We
remind our staff to exercise economy in other stationery
such as -
Ø not
using envelopes for unclassified documents;
Øreusing
envelopes or using transit envelopes;
Ømonitoring
the number of brochures/forms requiring printing
or reprinting to keep the requirement to the minimum;
and
Øencouraging
the use of ball pen refills.
In
2001, the number of envelopes used was reduced by
10% when compared with the consumption in 2000.
To
Economise on Electricity Consumption
We
constantly remind our staff of energy saving practices
such as-
Øreducing
lighting for illumination to the minimum;
Øclosing
doors to separate an air-conditioned area from
a non-conditioned one;
Øcontrolling
the use of personal electrical appliances in the
office;
Øurging
staff to use staircase for inter-floor traffic;
Øreducing
water consumption as the treatment and distribution
of water consume energy; and
Øensuring
that the indoor temperature of air conditioned
offices and public waiting areas is not lower
than 23¢J in the summer months.
To
Collect Waste Paper for Recycling
In
2001, we collected 18 372 kg of waste paper in our
offices/ venues for recycling, compared to 20 409
kg in 2000. The decrease was probably due to our efforts
in reducing paper consumption.
To
Maintain No-smoking Workplace Policy
We
maintain a smoke-free workplace policy in all offices
as well as government vehicles. In 2001, we re-issued
the circular on smoke-free workplace policy and distributed
no-smoking signs to remind all staff to maintain a
healthy and smoke-free workplace.
To
Incorporate Environmental Considerations in Using
Departmental Vehicles
We
procure vehicles with engines that meet the latest
legislative environmental standard. During the year,
we planned for the procurement of vehicles running
on cleaner energy. Forty-six light buses using liquefied
petroleum gas will be put into service in 2002.
Our
vehicles are maintained on schedule to minimise the
emission of excessive fumes and particles.
We
participate actively in trials that facilitate assessment
of pollutant reduction devices on vehicles, especially
those for heavy-duty vehicles like refuse collection
vehicles. We will continue to work together with EMSD
and Government Land Transport Agency to explore the
feasibility of using pollutant reduction devices to
protect the environment.
OBJECTIVE
: TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMMES AND CAMPAIGNS
Our
Performance
Internal
We
support green initiatives launched by other government
departments and organizations. In 2001, we encouraged
our staff to join the "No Plastic Bag, Please" and
the "No Smoking Day in Workplace" Campaigns.
External
The
Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre organises
talks for kindergarten and primary school students
throughout the year. Apart from messages on personal
hygiene, food hygiene and environmental hygiene, the
economical use of paper and the reduction of waste
are also covered. A total of 100 school talks were
organised in 2001.
During
the year, in collaboration with other government departments,
we organised the "Anti-rodent Campaign" and the "Anti-mosquito
Campaign" with the theme of "Let¡¦s Remove Stagnant
Water, Eliminate Mosquitoes for Healthy Living". The
campaigns have enhanced public awareness of the importance
of rodent and mosquito control.
Chapter
6 - THE WAY FORWARD
Our
senior management places great importance on environmental
issues and initiatives and monitors related performance
and achievement closely. To strive for continuous
improvement, we will -
Ømonitor
the effectiveness of the green measures we have
put in place, and modify and improve them as necessary.
Øreview
our environmental objectives regularly and incorporate
new techniques that bring about good environmental
impact when delivering our services; and
Øpromote
staff awareness and knowledge on environmental
issues and support green initiatives and campaigns
organised by other organizations.
Future
Activities
Looking
ahead, we plan to take forward the following environmental
initiatives, which will bring about good environmental
impact.
Clean
Hong Kong Programme
We
have launched since December 2000 a three-year Clean
Hong Kong Programme with a view to bringing about
visible and sustainable improvements on the ground
through active cleansing operations, public education
and publicity efforts, and to instilling a sense of
belonging and pride in the community for the clean
environment. In 2002, we will intensify our efforts
in Clean Hong Kong and take the following actions
-
Øimplement
new action-oriented initiatives addressing district
concerns such as clean-up actions all over the
territory, face-lifting work to village-type refuse
collection points and aqua privies, and public
toilet refurbishment programme;
Øimplement
the fixed penalty system against minor cleanliness
offences; and
Øcontinue
the seasonal thematic activities for clean-up
operations (harbour and beaches in summer, country
parks and countryside in autumn and year-end operations
in winter/spring).
Upgrading
of Cremation Facilities
To
enhance efficiency and minimise environmental nuisances,
we are actively planning for the replacement of cremators
at the Fu Shan Crematorium and the Diamond Hill Crematorium,
which allow us to increase the capacity and speed
for cremation for the provision of a better service.
Improvement
of Refuse Collection Points
To
further improve waste collection services, we plan
to build more off-street RCPs equipped with features
to minimise environmental nuisance to nearby residents.
New RCPs, which are designed to be visually attractive
as well as odourless, are equipped with water scrubber
systems, vehicle exhaust extraction systems and high
pressure water jet cleaners. In addition to these,
upgrading works to another 49 RCPs in the New Territories
to enhance pollution control are under active planning.
Pest
Control
We
will continue to adopt an integrated approach in pest
control operations, putting equal emphasis on effective
use of pesticides and continuous improvement of environmental
hygiene. We update pest control methodologies and
technologies regularly, making reference to the World
Health Organisation¡¦s latest recommendations.
In 2002, we will continue to organise the "Anti-mosquito
Campaign" and "Anti-rodent Campaign" to promote public
awareness of mosquito and rodent prevention for a
better living environment.
Using
Transport Efficiently
The
department is installing electronic vehicle monitoring
devices to its special purpose vehicles to monitor
the performance of the vehicle fleet. This can help
maximise the utilisation of the vehicles and in turn
reduce the fuel consumption and pollutants as a result.
Use
of Retread Tyres
In
support of the Government¡¦s initiative on waste
reduction and environmental protection, we are exploring
the feasibility of using retread tyres for our vehicle
fleet. In the initial stage, refuse collection vehicles
are selected for trial. If the trial is successful,
it will be extended to other types of vehicles.
Comments
and Suggestions
This
report can be viewed at our homepage at www.fehd.gov.hk.
Comments and suggestions on the report are most welcome. Please
write to our Green Manager at 45/F, Queensway Government Offices,
66 Queensway, Hong Kong or email us at fehdhqgen@fehd.gov.hk.
Last
revision date:19-09-2002