Advisory panel meets on review of air quality objectives

Press Release

Advisory panel meets on review of air quality objectives

The Advisory Panel on Review of Air Quality Objectives and Development of a Long Term Air Quality Strategy held its first meeting today (July 24) to discuss the work plan of the comprehensive study proposed by Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd, the consultant contracted to undertake the study.

Chaired by the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Ms Anissa Wong, the advisory panel advises the Government on the direction, approaches and methodologies of the study. It also reviews and comments on the outputs and findings to ensure quality and completeness.

The panel comprises members with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, including members of the Advisory Council on the Environment, experts from different sectors, academics of relevant disciplines and representatives from relevant government bureaus.

An Environmental Protection Department spokesman said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced in October last year an updated set of air quality guidelines. These new guidelines recommended progressive interim targets and provided a scientific basis for supporting the development of air quality policies and management strategies in various parts of the world to protect human health.

"The study will evaluate carefully the need and justifications for revising local air quality objectives according to the principles suggested by WHO and taking into account local factors and considerations," he said.

The study will examine in detail the new air quality guidelines and tap into the findings of relevant reviews in the advanced countries. It will provide detailed information on required measures, their implications and available options for achieving any new AQOs for Hong Kong.

"Public participation will be essential. Upon completing the study by the end of 2008, we plan to launch a thorough public engagement process so as to finalise the new AQOs and the required long-term strategy on air quality management within 2009," the spokesman said.

People can find the scope of the study on the department’s website at http://www.epd.gov.hk. They can also express their views to the consultant by email to aqoreviewcomment@arup.com.

Ends/Tuesday, July 24, 2007