2000 - Press Release
Partnership Formed to Protect Environment
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Hong Kong Vehicle Repair Merchants Association formed partnership today (December 8) to promote environmental awareness among the trade practitioners and assist them in improving their environmental performance.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of the collaboration scheme between the two parties, the Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Mike Stokoe, said the partnership was the first of its kind between the EPD and the trade.
Under the partnership, the ambassadors of the Association would visit the garages being complained against and assist the concerned owners to comply with the requirements of the environmental legislation. The Association would then give feedback to the EPD.
The EPD and the Association have also worked out advice on green practices for reference by the trade practitioners.
The partnership is an expansion of the EPD's compliance assistance programme.
"The compliance assistance programme is showing signs of success, with many companies such as construction firms and restaurants seeking our assistance to educate their staff on compliance with environmental laws," Mr Stokoe noted.
"To further pursue our objective of assisting the trade in complying with the legislative requirements, we have commissioned the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to organise two seminars on environmental compliance in January and February 2001 and 10 workshops on proper paint spraying techniques starting late February next year.
"In parallel, we are working jointly with the HKPC and the trade to develop a practicable technical fix to control air pollution arising from the car spraying operation," Mr Stokoe said.
As for new apprentices, the EPD is working with the Vocational Training Council to raise their environmental awareness and enhance their understanding of the environmental requirements for the trade.
In addition, the EPD will explore other more environmentally friendly methods of paint spraying for the trade.
End/Friday, December 8, 2000