The Environmental Protection Department of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) government signed a consultancy
agreement with an environmental company here Tuesday to come up
with a new set of Air Quality Objectives for the city and devise a
long-term plan for such new objectives.
Ove Arup and Partners Hong Kong Limited, which won the
consultancy agreement, will undertake a comprehensive study to
examine in details the new World Health Organization (WHO) Air
Quality Guidelines and the findings of relevant reviews in the
developed countries or regions.
According to the agreement, the study is expected to provide
detailed information on required specific measures, their
implications and available options for achieving any new air
quality objectives for Hong Kong.
"Through the study, we 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," a spokesman for the Environmental
Protection Department said.
WHO announced in October last year an updated set of Air Quality
Guidelines, recommending 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 spokesman said upon completing the study by the end of 2008,
the government plans to launch a thorough public engagement process
so as to finalize the new objectives and the required long-term
strategy on air quality management within 2009.
(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2007)