Crematoria
Development of new crematoria or major improvement works on existing crematoria is subject to a vigorous environmental impact assessment process under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap 499). Prior approval for their designs (meeting stringent emission control requirements) would be required before any works could proceed. Crematoria with installed capacity exceeding 0.5 tonnes per hour are also subject to licensing control under the Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes) Regulations (Cap 311F). They are required to implement best practical means (BPM) for preventing air pollution. The relevant BPM are reviewed from time to time to keep in line with the international best practices wherever applicable.
Measures to reduce dioxin/furan emissions from crematoria include:
- further tighten the dioxin/furan emission standard for crematoria under the BPM to 0.1 ng I-TEQ/m3 * for all new cremation installations; and
- progressively phase out or replace old cremation units, wherever feasible, with new ones adopting an advanced combustion and pollution control design.
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* ng I-TEQ/m3 = nanogram international toxicity equivalent per cubic meter
