ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the problems that the population and its associated activities have imposed on the Hong Kong environment, as well as the remedial and control measures that are in place. In 1986, the agency, together with special units from the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Labor, Marine, Engineering Development and Municipal Services, were consolidated into the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. The major function of the Department was to develop procedures for monitoring environmental pollution and enforce matters pertaining to environmental protection. A livestock waste composting plant was built near the area and the groundwater was retrieved to monitor its environmental effect. The origin of soil pollution associated with a city like Hong Kong ranges from isolated incidences, such as effluent from factories or mines contaminating agriculture lands, to pollution resulting from traffic and municipal waste. A comprehensive assessment of trace metal distribution and contamination in surface soils of Hong Kong has been conducted.
