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Press
Releases - 1997 (July - December)
CE
Visits Environmental Protection Department
The Chief
Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Friday) visited the offices
and laboratories of the Environmental Protection Department.
Accompanied
by the Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Robert Law,
Mr Tung was briefed on the department's main environmental
quality monitoring programmes and the facilities to monitor
air and beach water quality.
During
the visit, Mr Tung toured the air quality laboratory where
he was shown how air pollution was measured and transformed
into the Air Pollution Index.
Mr Tung
then visited the water microbiology laboratory where the beach
monitoring programme was introduced.
The programme
aims to provide the public up-to-date information on beach
water quality and to identify any areas that require remedial
action.
Programmes
and plans to further improve the environment were also introduced.
In expressing
his appreciation for the work the department has done in protecting
the environment and improving environmental awareness in the
community, Mr Tung said that the Government was committed
to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for Hong Kong
in the years to come.
"Improving
the quality of the environment is as vital as economic growth
to improving our quality of life. We will ensure that consideration
of how to sustain and enhance the environment is built into
strategic planning and policy making," he said.
Noting
that a Waste Reduction Plan would be launched next year, Mr
Tung said that the Government would examine all processes
to see where it could be more efficient in handling and reducing
waste.
"Keeping
Hong Kong clean is everyone's responsibility. Sensible planning
and action to reduce waste will enhance our competitiveness,"
he added.
Mr Law
said it was most encouraging to have the Chief Executive's
support for the department's work in protecting the environment.
"Support
from the highest levels within the government, and also from
the general community, is essential if we are to see real
improvements in Hong Kong's environmental conditions", he
said.
End/Friday,
December 5, 1997
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