EPD Enforces Water Pollution Control Ordinance on Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter Discharges

The Environmental Protection Department is enforcing the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358) to investigate illegally discharged sewage in Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter and will take action against violators. This enforcement applies directly to discharges into local waters used by residents and marine operators in the district.

Air Pollution Controls on Vessels and Fuels

Environmental regulations require all ocean-going vessels to use low-sulphur fuel of 0.5 percent sulphur or less while at berth in Hong Kong under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 311). The Air Pollution Control Ordinance also prohibits open burning of construction waste and high-sulphur fuels, giving the EPD authority over emissions from commercial and construction operations. Local marine light diesel sulphur limits were set at 0.05 percent by a regulation enacted in April 2014.

These fuel and burning rules cover sources such as franchised buses and vessels operating near Causeway Bay. Residents encounter these requirements through daily exposure to emissions from transport and port activities in the area.

Chemical Waste Rules for Local Businesses

Businesses in Causeway Bay that generate chemical waste must follow the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) Regulation (Cap. 354). This requires a Generator Registration Certificate and transport only by licensed collectors. The rules apply to operations that handle such materials in the district.

For residents the measures translate into oversight of waste handling by nearby businesses and construction sites. The EPD can act on violations of the sewage ordinance in the typhoon shelter and on emissions and waste rules that affect air and water quality in the immediate vicinity.

The government says the policies will reduce pollution from these sources. The EPD will continue investigations and enforcement under the listed ordinances.