Clean Harbour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP) TABLE OF CONTENTS page 1.
BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction and History 1.2 Unique Features of Aberdeen 1.3 Environmental Situation 1.4 Future Development 1.5 Cleaning Up Aberdeen Harbour 1.6 Clean Harbour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP) 1.7 Project Scope
2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4
2.
IMPLEMENTATION 2.1 Schedule 2.2 Summary
5 5 5
3.
RESEARCH FINDINGS 3.1 Relevant Government Departments 3.2 Location and Types of Refuse in Aberdeen 3.3 Causes of Refuse Problem 3.4 Related Issues
6 6 8 8 9
4.
IDENTIFYING AND INTERVIEWING STAKEHOLDERS 4.1 Stakeholders 4.2 Key Issues 4.3 Company Waste Audit
9 9 10 11
5.
SOLUTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
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6.
IN SUMMARY
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7.
NEXT STEPS
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APPENDIX 1: Environmental Fact Sheet for Aberdeen
15
APPENDIX 2: Summary of Stakeholder Interviews
21
APPENDIX 3: Waste Survey/Questionnaire for Clean Harbour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP)
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Clean Harbour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP)1 1.
BACKGROUND
1.1
Introduction and History Famous for its bustling fishing village, Aberdeen has been home to the Tanka and Hoklo fisherfolk since the Ming Dynasty. It is in fact Hong Kong’s oldest harbour. However, like many other areas of Hong Kong, Aberdeen has experienced rapid transformation and population expansion in recent years, which have strained resources and infrastructure and distanced community members from their heritage and from each other. What was once a water-based community is now a densely populated, high-rise commuter district. Few residents are involved in the fishing industry; most are either factory workers or commuters working in other parts of Hong Kong. Many of Aberdeen’s residents today have no link to its maritime past and indeed, few people in Hong Kong remember its important role in Hong Kong’s history.
1.2
Unique Features of Aberdeen However, there is a growing realization that Aberdeen provides numerous unique attractions: • Aberdeen’s forgotten history should be shared with tourists and the younger generation of Hong Kong people to help them connect to their past. • Aberdeen is situated in an extremely attractive part of Hong Kong Island, framed by mountains, greenery and a stunning coastline. • In the heart of Aberdeen there are already a number of significant recreational facilities, including the floating restaurants, Ocean Park, the Aberdeen Marina Club and other boat clubs. There are also important sites within the larger Southern District, such as the historic Waterfall Bay and Aberdeen and Pokfulam country parks. • Ap Lei Chau now boasts several warehouse shopping complexes, which are popular with both local residents and visitors.
1.3
Environmental Situation Despite these attractions and resources, the current environmental situation in Aberdeen is far from optimal. Marine refuse and land-based litter not only detract from Aberdeen’s natural beauty but also present health and safety hazards. Plastic and ropes tangle boat motors. The unsightly garbage is carried out to sea by the tides, thereby impacting a much larger area. Careless handling of motor oil affects water quality. Accumulated rubbish in construction sites and boatyards is an eyesore. More detailed information regarding the current environmental situation in Aberdeen is presented in Appendix 1.
1.4
Future Development If Aberdeen is to be developed in a sustainable way, the various environmental issues facing the community must be dealt with by all relevant stakeholders, including the local residents, the local business community and the government. There is no shortage of ideas to develop Aberdeen into an exciting residential and recreational area. In November 2001, the HKSAR Government’s Planning Department published a consultation document for a long-term development plan for Aberdeen. The plan draws on Aberdeen’s maritime heritage and proposes a number of new attractions for tourists and Hong Kong residents. Further information about the study is available on the HKSAR Government’s Planning Department website at www.info.gov.hk/planning/p_study/prog_s/ aberdeen.
1
CHAP is an initiative of Civic Exchange, a non-profit public policy think tank co-founded by Christine Loh and Lisa Hopkinson in October 2000. More information about Civic Exchange is available online at www.civic-exchange.org
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1.5
Cleaning Up Aberdeen Harbour The waste / refuse problem in Aberdeen is longstanding. Past attempts to clean-up the area have provided a shortterm solution but have unfortunately been unsustainable. The reasons for this are complex and may include the following factors: • Limited community involvement – There have been few incentives for the local community to take responsibility for the problem or work with the government to improve the situation. Overall, there is an absence of communication between government departments and community members and a general lack of trust on both sides. • Resignation – On all sides, there appears to be a lack of belief in the possibility of change and / or a lack of willingness to change behaviour. • Failure to see this as a community problem – In general, community members seem willing to accept the current situation as long as it does not have a drastic impact on their daily lives or business operations. The problem is regarded in terms of its isolated impact on individuals and groups rather than as a broader problem affecting the entire community. This may reflect the absence of a communal identity or community pride in the Aberdeen area. • Scale of the problem – The apparent magnitude of the waste / refuse problem seems to have deterred attempts to find a long-term solution. (Note: In 2001, the Marine Department collected 1,200 tons of floating refuse from the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.) • Reliance on government action – Most community members regard the problem as the sole responsibility of the government. However, although resource expenditure on clean-ups continue to increase – representing an increase in taxpayers’ money – the root causes of the problem have yet to be identified and addressed.
1.6
Clean Harbour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP) CHAP aims to identify and address the root causes of the waste / refuse problem and provide possible solutions to the problem in the Aberdeen area. In particular the project seeks to: • • • • • •
Research and identify the causes of the problem; Improve public understanding of the refuse problem; Promote civic dialogue and engagement on solutions; Encourage community-organized clean-ups; Foster public-private sector collaboration; and Create a sense of identity and belonging among Aberdeen residents.
CHAP is an initiative of Civic Exchange’s Project Pride – Aberdeen (PPA), a two-year experiment in community building. Civic Exchange selected Aberdeen as the site for this pilot project because of its rich cultural, historical and environmental heritage. Civic Exchange hopes that CHAP and other PPA projects will help people re-connect with Aberdeen’s heritage and recognize its importance for Hong Kong. Other projects include the development of a school teaching kit to help students understand the need to keep Hong Kong clean; a school essay competition and a Peak to Shore Heritage Trail. Civic Exchange has also launched a one-year program of community cleanups at Waterfall Bay. More information about these initiatives is available at www.civic-exchange.org.
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4
Project Scope The scope of the project includes the following areas:
Source: Focus Study on Aberdeen Harbour, Planning Department, November 2001, page 16 & 17.
1.7
2.
IMPLEMENTATION
2.1
Schedule The schedule for implementation of the projectis as follows: • Phase I : Fact-finding and Research (February-April 2002) • Phase II : Engendering and Facilitating "Buy-in" (April-May 2002) • Phase III : Cleaning Up and Involving the Public (June-September 2002) • Phase IV : Evaluation and Planning for the Future (October-November 2002) To date, Phases I and II have been completed and Civic Exchange is now working on Phases III and IV. This schedule represents a process that is organic and flexible. For example, the level of community involvement during Phase IV will reflect the level of commitment from the community during Phase III.
2.2
Summary Phase I: Fact-finding and Research (February-April 2002) Civic Exchange gathered information about the waste / refuse problem through interviews with local stakeholders and visits to Aberdeen. Stakeholders interviewed as part of this process included local businesses (private clubs, the Jumbo Restaurant and Ocean Park), fishermen’s associations, seafood market operators, residents groups’ representatives as well as government officials with responsibility for clean-ups, namely the Marine Department (MD), Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Southern District Office (SDO), which is the government’s interface with the Southern District Council and district-based organizations. Interviews indicated that the MD and FEHD are aware of the existing waste / refuse problem in Aberdeen and have ongoing plans to increase the frequency and scope of clean-ups. Fishermen’s associations and residents groups have also organized clean-ups in the past and plan to repeat clean-ups in 2002. It should be noted that these clean-ups differ significantly from government clean-ups, which are conducted by paid government contractors. A clean-up organized by a community group is conducted by volunteers and is an important awareness-raising event. Civic Exchange analyzed the information collected during this phase of the project in order to gain a better understanding of the causes of the problem and explore potential solutions. It was obvious that addressing the root causes of the problem would require buy-in by certain key stakeholders and community ownership of the exploration and discussion process. It was initially anticipated that research for the project would include a waste survey of several businesses with industrial facilities located in Aberdeen. However, when approached, most businesses were unwilling to divulge this kind of information. See Appendix 1 for the Environmental Fact Sheet on the Aberdeen area.
Phase II: Engendering and Facilitating Stakeholder “Buy-in” (April-May 2002) Civic Exchange sought to engage key stakeholders in regular dialogue in order to develop their interest and capacity to collaborate with each other. Civic Exchange also liaised regularly with the relevant government departments since it became clear that the efforts of both the public and private sectors could be better coordinated for greater impact. As part of the engagement process, stakeholders were encouraged to put forward their ideas on how to keep Aberdeen clean. These efforts helped to foster better communication between the various groups, which is essential to any kind of future cooperation. For example, when two community groups planned to hold separate harbour clean-ups within a two-month period, Civic Exchange saw the opportunity to create a broader campaign and foster community collaboration. The campaign then prompted activity from other groups, including the government, which increased the frequency of contractor clean-ups during this period. Similarly, land- and water-based clean-ups can be scheduled to complement each other since most marine refuse is generated on land.
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Phase III: Cleaning up and Involving the Public (June-September 2002) Civic Exchange organized a number of clean-ups in and around Aberdeen Harbour in August and September 2002. Local residents, community groups, government and fishing associations were all invited to contribute in any way possible.
Phase IV: Evaluation and Planning for the Future (October-November 2002)
3.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
3.1
Relevant Government Departments During Phase 1, Civic Exchange identified a number of different government department operating in the Aberdeen area. The various areas of responsibility for each of these departments are listed in the table below:
Marine Department (MD)
The MD is responsible for collecting marine refuse. It uses a combined fleet of government and contractor vessels for clean-ups. It also distributes yellow plastic bags for waste to all marine vessels, which has been a useful measure to reduce the amount of refuse in the water. The MD has also increased the frequency of clean-ups and is now cleaning every day of the week. The MD has various activities to enhance enforcement action against marine littering.
Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)
The FEHD is responsible for collecting all land-based refuse. It has a large number of government and contractor cleaners. It manages the government’s Clean Hong Kong campaign. There are two large trash collection centers on Shum Wan Road.
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
The EPD carries out spot-checks and prosecutes illegal dumping. It is also responsible for pollution control, such as dealing with waste oil.
Drainage Services Department (DSD)
The DSD is responsible for the infrastructure that deals with and manages the sewage and effluent disposal. (EPD is responsible for ensuring that the effluent meets with requirements as set out in the Waste Disposal Ordinance).
Civil Engineering Department (CED)
The CED is responsible for the periodic dredging of Aberdeen Harbour to keep fairways open.
Southern District Office (SDO)
The SDO is the district arm of the Home Affairs Department, which provides secretarial support to the Southern District Council, a largely elected body that represents district affairs. SDO officers keep in close contact with councilors and community based leaders and groups in order to facilitate community activities. Public hygiene and clean-ups are regular topics of interest.
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Various pollution backspots in Aberdeen
Under Ap Lei Chau Bridge. April 2002.
Polystyrene foam boxes collected from Aberdeen Harbour. April 2002.
Ap Lei Chau Praya Road. April 2002.
Ap Lei Chau Praya Road. April 2002.
An abandoned boatyard at Pak Sha Wan. April 2002.
Floating refuse (mainly polystyrene foam boxes) by Aberdeen Promenade. April 2002.
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3.2
Location and Types of Refuse in Aberdeen The following table presents information on the location and types of waste that were found in and around the Aberdeen Harbour during Phases I and II. This provided Civic Exchange with a useful insight into the primary sources of waste in this area.
Land
• •
•
Government properties – rusting metal drums and other industrial waste. Boatyards – slipway rubbish in inactive boatyards. There are 10-15 abandoned privatelyowned boatyards in the area that have been abandoned and are now dumping sites for industrial and household waste, including engine parts, boat parts, fridges, drums and paint tins. “Black spots” – under Ap Lei Chau Bridge, stone borders of typhoon shelters and construction sites.
Shore areas
• • • • •
Flotsam – polystyrene foam, plastic bags, fishing tackle Submerged garbage in shallow waters Construction waste Oil slicks “Black spots” – Praya Road, Sham Wan Temporary Industrial Area, Aberdeen Promenade and construction sites along Praya Road and on Ap Lei Chau.
Harbour (water)
• • •
Flotsam – polystyrene foam, plastic bags, fishing tackle Oil slicks Sewage
In addition to gathering information on the different types and sources of waste, Civic Exchange also identified various pollution “black spots.” Photographs of these areas are shown on the following page as an indication of the extent of the refuse problem. However, it should be noted that there has been a significant improvement in waste levels in a number of these black spots, largely as a result of communication with government departments during this project. 3.3
Causes of Refuse Problem As well as identifying the different types of waste, Civic Exchange also endeavored to identify activities occurring in the area that may contribute to the waste / refuse problem. These activities include fishing, construction works and boat building / repairs. Overall, there appears to be a low level of awareness of the impacts these kinds of activities may have on the environment.
Fishing
• • •
Refuse falling off boats ie. polystyrene fish boxes Dumping domestic waste and other garbage Dumping used lube oil
Boatyards
• • •
Careless waste disposal practices Abandoned boatyards have become dumping sites Absentee ownership issues, i.e. access to property for clean-ups
Waste Disposal
• • •
Carelessness Poor handling of garbage Illegal dumping of garbage and used lube oil
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3.4
Related Issues In addition to recording the various locations and types of waste in Aberdeen, Civic Exchange also noted a number of other factors that are impacting the harbour. The following table presents a summary of these factors. Through research on these issues, Civic Exchange hopes to gain a more holistic understanding of the environmental problems affecting the area.
4.
Sewage
Sewage from fishing boats is generally untreated and released directly into Aberdeen Harbour. However, sewerage upgrades have taken place in Tin Wan, Praya Road and Wah Fu Estate, which have reduced the overall level of sewage in the water.
Sand and Mud
In the past, construction companies working in the Aberdeen area have dumped large amounts of sand and mud into the water. The Civil Engineering Department (CED) has to carry out periodic dredging to prevent long-term build up of sand and mud, which can cause fairways blockage. However, there are concerns that dredging activities may release toxins from contaminated sediment.
Wind patterns and Currents
Natural factors contribute to the build up of waste in the harbour. In the summer months, northeasterly winds blow refuse into Aberdeen Harbour. Due to the design of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, there is limited circulation of water, meaning that the harbour is essentially a stagnant body of water.
Air Quality
There are no air monitoring stations in Aberdeen but marine vessels are often seen emitting black smoke in the harbour area. In June 2002, the government implemented a fine of HK$600 for smoky vessels, which may help to improve air quality. Emissions from cars and other road vehicles are also a serious concern.
Waste Oil
There is no system for dealing with used oil from vessels. An oil collection program has been discussed but has never been implemented. The Dunwell Group, a private company, has expressed interest in setting up a waste oil collection program in Aberdeen but this would require some funding. Collecting and treating one drum of oil costs between HK$200 and HK$250.
IDENTIFYING AND INTERVIEWING STAKEHOLDERS Research indicates that much of the refuse in Aberdeen Harbour is due to poor control of land-based activities and a lack of awareness within the local community. Civic Exchange identified and interviewed a number of key stakeholders in the area in order to gain a better understanding of the causes of the refuse problem and explore possible solutions. This project is a pilot study. It is aimed at building trust and partnership among people living and working in a particular area who have limited experience in working together. A considerable amount of time was needed in order to develop a relationship with stakeholders and generate buy-in for the project. However, this should be regarded as a key part of community building.
4.1
Stakeholders The following table lists the various stakeholders identified during the first two phases of the project. It should be noted that this project is still on going and that the list of stakeholders may continue to increase.
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Government Bodies
Fishermen's Associations
Boatyards
Other
Marine Department (MD)
HK & Kowloon Fishermen Association
Chuen Kee Shipyard
Ocean Park
Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)
HK & Kowloon Floating Fishermen Welfare Promotion Association
Southern District Boat Builder’s Association
Aberdeen Boat Club
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
Aberdeen Seafood Mutual Aid Promotion Association
Shum Hing Shipyard
Aberdeen Marina Club
Planning Department (PD)
Aberdeen Fishery Merchants Association
Yuk King Shipyard
Simpson Marine
Marine Department, Southern District
Sampan drivers
Wing Hing Shipyard
Jumbo Floating Restaurant
China Marine Service Lam Hing Shipyard Ltd.
Dunwell Group
Southern District Office
4.2
Key Issues Civic Exchange developed a list of questions for interviewing stakeholders. Presented below is a summary of the responses to each question. These responses provide a valuable insight into the causes of and potential solutions to the refuse problem according to local stakeholders. A more detailed record of answers is provided in Appendix 2. Question 1: Why is Aberdeen Harbour so polluted? Stakeholders felt that the current situation is partly due to poor waste disposal practices in the past. One stakeholder suggested that the water level in Aberdeen Harbour has decreased by as much as 20-30 feet due to illegal dumping. Stakeholders also noted that previous government systems for waste collection, including a Marine Department vessel, had been effective in improving the situation. However, these systems have since been discontinued. Question 2: What are the major sources of waste? Stakeholders identified boatyards, fishing boats and factories as major sources of waste. The accumulation of waste in inactive and abandoned boatyards was seen as an especially serious problem. Some stakeholders also mentioned the dumping of used oil by sampans and other vessels. Question 3: Is the situation improving or deteriorating? Many stakeholders felt that current refuse levels were unacceptable, especially in the summer months (June-July) when the fishing boats remain in the harbour. Wind patterns also contribute to waste build up during this period. However, stakeholders said there have been improvements in the situation due to government efforts, such as the Marine Department’s yellow waste bag program and the increased frequency of contractor clean-ups. However, government stakeholders expressed concerns about continued increases in time and resources for clean-ups. They noted that improvements in the situation do not necessarily indicate any change in the causes of the problem.
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Question 4: Who is responsible? Non-governmental stakeholders regarded the refuse problem as the sole responsibility of the government. Most stakeholders suggested that they would take responsibility for waste collection only if it affected business operations. Governmental stakeholders expressed frustration with this attitude and noted the difficulty of changing waste disposal practices. Officials also said that restricted access to private land, including abandoned or inactive boatyards, hampers the effectiveness of government clean-ups. Question 5: How efficient is the current waste collection system? Some stakeholders pay private contractors to dispose of their waste but said they have little sense of the efficiency or professionalism of contractors. In many cases, the waste disposal is sub-contracted up to three levels, making it very difficult to monitor operations. The government’s waste collection system is not perceived by stakeholders to be very efficient. Question 6: What are the overall problems and potential solutions?
Problem
Suggested for Solutions
Poor communication
• •
Use a multidisciplinary and cross-departmental approach to solve problems. Use a combination of education, promotion, incentives and penalties to facilitate communication.
Ineffective monitoring
• •
Supervise contractors, switch contractors from time to time. Closer supervision of cleaning and measure performance of cleaning contractors needed.
Poor enforcement
• • •
Fine polluters and monitor situation better. Regulate mooring of boats within the typhoon shelter to improve water flow. Form a “Refuse Collection Watchdog Committee” to encourage reporting of illegal dumping.
Ineffective waste collection methods
• • •
Create a better system for registering complaints. Push back stonewalls at the entrance of the typhoon shelter to improve water flow. Get better equipment for collecting marine refuse.
Lack of incentives
•
Create a “Buy Refuse” program through which trash can be weighed and sold at a designated collection center. Contracted sampans would be paid according to the amount they collect. Create used oil collection program with payment per gallon.
•
The issues identified during interviews that will be used in developing the next phases of the project (see Section 7: ‘Next Steps’ of this report).
4.3
Company Waste Audit Civic Exchange attempted to conduct a waste audit of 10-15 larger companies operating in the Aberdeen area in order to understand the waste disposal practices of these groups (see Appendix 3 for a copy of the Waste Survey / Questionnaire). Companies were selected on the basis of industry type and the degree of environmental impact. The majority of the companies were unwilling to share information concerning their waste management although three companies with environmental management systems in place were forthcoming. Most of the companies reluctant to share this information were either unfamiliar with Civic Exchange and / or the waste auditing process. Difficulty in obtaining information may also have been due to reluctance on the part of the contact person within the company.
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5.
SOLUTIONS FOR DISCUSSION Based on stakeholder interviews and information collected during Phases I and II, Civic Exchange recommends that the following suggestions for cleaning Aberdeen Harbour and the surrounding area be considered for further discussion and possible implementation. All stakeholders should play a part in discussing and implementing solutions – this will empower them and give them ownership of the process:
Problem
Solution
Slipway rubbish
• •
• •
Construction waste
• •
Install “no dumping” signs in appropriate areas as reminders. Urge the relevant authorities to prioritize clean-ups of sites to which they have access, such as government properties and private land that can be entered by law or with permission of the owners (see below). Urge owners of active / inactive boatyards to assist with clean-ups, for example, by allowing access to the property and disposing of all non-recyclable waste. Liaise with the government and boatyard owners on where to place bins around slipways for better disposal of new waste.
•
Provide waste skips at construction sites. Relevant departments to provide education to workers and construction companies on waste handling and disposal. Identify an area for disposal of larger and / or more unwieldy items.
Oil slicks
•
Experiment with a waste oil collection system.
Smokey vessels
•
Provide opportunities for raising awareness of better vessel maintenance for owners.
Floating refuse
•
Set up a boom system to snag refuse along the waterfront of boatyards and the shoreline. The booms would divert the refuse into strategically placed catch nets, which would prevent refuse from washing up on the shoreline. Improve collection techniques; for example, use larger nets to scoop up refuse. Set up “no litter” signs as reminders. Persuade fishing boats to secure polystyrene boxes with appropriate netting so that boxes do not end up in the water. Investigate biodegradable alternatives to polystyrene.
• • • • Ineffective communication and poor coordination
• • • •
•
Lack of vision
•
Improve internal communication between all responsible government departments and coordinate clean-up efforts. Implement focused cleaning in designated pollution “black spots” in order to demonstrate the potential for dramatic improvements in the situation. Improve communication between stakeholders in both the public and private sectors in order to enable long-term transformation of the Aberdeen area. Relevant government departments should actively outreach to area stakeholders with the view of disseminating information and facilitating “buyin” to environmental policies. Government departments and community groups should jointly approach other area stakeholders, such as boatyard owners, to raise awareness and gain access to private property for clean-ups. Generate a new vision for the future of Aberdeen Harbour and the surrounding area, which could serve as a focal point for people living and working in the area to work towards in cleaning up and changing behaviour. 12
6.
IN SUMMARY Governmental and non-governmental stakeholders all recognize that the extent of the refuse problem in Aberdeen Harbour and are in agreement that the situation needs to be improved. However, there is less agreement about who is responsible for this problem and the way forward. Local organizations, businesses and other community members seem to regard the government as ultimately responsible for cleaning the area, even though they do contribute to current waste levels. There also appears to be a lack of communication between the government and these groups with regard to waste management. According to local stakeholders, past systems of waste collection were effective but have been discontinued. The reasons for this change have not been made clear to community members and this may have contributed to the lack of trust between government and the community. Stakeholders put forward interesting suggestions about how to improve the current situation, although they have not experimented with these solutions themselves. Many stakeholders have participated in clean-ups in the past and would be willing to take part in other clean-ups in the future. However, few stakeholders expressed a willingness to organize clean-ups themselves.
7.
NEXT STEPS Where do we go from here? Civic Exchange will consider all information gathered to date in further development and implementation of the project. In particular, Civic Exchange will continue to focus on engagement of local stakeholders in Phase III. The aim is to work together with stakeholders to identify long-term solutions to the refuse problem. The potential of community collaboration in driving and sustaining clean-ups has yet to be fully explored. Releasing this energy is crucial in identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem. Increasing the frequency and / or expanding the scope of clean-ups will only result in continued increases in resource expenditure and will not solve the problem. Ultimately, any sustainable solution will require changing human behaviour and increased collaboration between all stakeholders.
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APPENDIX : ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET FOR ABERDEEN
GENERAL FACTS MAIN INDUSTRIES in Aberdeen / Ap Lei Chau Area : Construction, Boat Construction, Fishing, Leisure Services (Clubs), Restaurants, Manufacturing Industries
AIR There are no air monitoring stations located in Aberdeen, however according to EPD's Air Services Group the air quality is equivalent to the following districts: •
For General Air Quality – the air quality is equivalent to results from the Central Western Monitoring Station (currently under renovation) - the usual reading of which is 45 ie. medium. Respirable Suspended Particulates are the major contributing pollutant.
•
For Road Side readings – the air quality of Aberdeen is equivalent to results received from the Mongkok Air Monitoring Station - usual reading is 64 - which is considered to be high. Nitrogen Dioxide is the major contributing pollutant in this area.
For more information on air quality in Hong Kong please refer to the Air Quality in Hong Kong 2000 Report prepared by EPD. Available at: http://www.epd-asg.gov.hk/reportf.html CHAP OBSERVATION: Many of the older / smaller vessels are serious polluters of air and have been seen to belch out large quantities of black smoke.
LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE The Local Control Officer responsible for Aberdeen is: Mr YK Chan (ykchan@epd.gov.hk) EPD's responsibilities include: Supporting the Marine Dept with clean-up activities concerning floating refuse. Supporting the FEHD with clean-up activities concerning land-based refuse. Supporting activities include: • Flytipping control • Spot checks • Prosecutions (No breakdown of prosecutions regarding environmental legislation was available for the purposes of this research). • Pollution control education Activities to date include: a) Flytipping control: Ambush operations have been carried out to detect illegal dumping and deposition of various kinds of wastes in public areas along Wong Chuk Hang Nullah; Heung Yip Road (located in the industrial area); and Ap Lei Chau Praya Road. b) Pollution control education: • In 1998 EPD met representatives of shipyard owners to discuss ways & practical means to reduce pollution originating from shipyard industries. EPD distributed “Good practices on handling wastewater and waste generated from dockyards & shipyards” to shipyard owners, operators and relevant association advising them to minimize the release of contaminants to the marine environment in the typhoon shelter. • In 1999 EDP distributed about 700 copies of a leaflet educating vessel operators about the marine environment. These distributed through fishermen associations, boatyard owners, diesel / oil filling distributors through several fisherman organizations, marina clubs and Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market. Copies of the leaflet are included in the CHAP file. 14
CHAP OBERSERVATIONS: Despite these concerted efforts to keep land and sea clear of refuse there are still a number of black spot areas where waste appears to be dumped (and not cleared) on a regular basis. (Please see CHAP photographs in main report for more details).
LAND-BASED LITTER Most marine litter is originally land-based (eg.: litter left on beaches or along the waterfront which is then washed out to see by the tide). A large majority of Aberdeen Harbour's litter originates from the land. Nearly 500 tons of refuse is collected annually from the boats in Aberdeen typhoon shelter alone; 1200 tons are collected annually as floating refuse. 62% is made up of household rubbish such as bottles, cans, bags, packaging, rubber and other materials, which have come from people's homes or land-based activities or establishments. In addition to that a fair percentage of the waste is also made up of foamed plastic or polystyrene. CHAP OBSERVATIONS: In addition to the above construction waste, metal and old boat engines etc. have also been recorded on the seabed of the Aberdeen typhoon shelter. Heavy-duty waste is visible all round the shorelines near construction sites and abandoned shipyards. Despite signs advising people not to dump there is plenty of evidence of these signs being disregarded. No government skips for waste collection appear to be located around the shoreline.
WASTE COLLECTION IN ABERDEEN • •
•
FEHD – Responsible for collection of municipal waste (ie. domestic waste). Marine Department – responsible for collecting Marine Waste (including waste from the vessels). Twice daily, 6 days a week the Marine Department distributes and collects yellow bags to the fishing vessels for their waste. Marine Department no longer use a water witch to collect floating refuse but have now employed a contractor (consisting of a fleet of 6 sampans) to collect floating refuse using a net). In the past a large barge was located in the harbour to collect large waste from the vessels – this no longer exists. Industry Operators: responsible for employing their own refuse collector to collect their waste and take it to the landfill sites. No monitoring is in place to ensure this is carried out (information received from FEHD).
Summary of Marine Waste Collected from Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter – 2001 SOURCE: Marine Department Month January February March April May June July August September October November December TOTAL
Total (tons) /month 127.20 40.66 69.32 120.62 59.60 83.74 86.69 161.17 152.27 145.96 69.60 142.16 1258.99
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The following different types of recovery and recycling take place in Hong Kong – figures for how much of this comes from companies/operators in Aberdeen are not available. • • • • • •
Recovery and Recycling of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery and Recycling of Waste Paper Recovery and Recycling of Plastic Waste Recovery and Recycling of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Products Recovery and Recycling of Metal Waste Recovery and Recycling of Waste Glass Bottles
Only Hong Kong wide results are available at: http://www.info.gov.hk/wrc/main_factsheets.htm.
LOCATION OF WASTE SEPARATION BINS IN AND AROUND ABERDEEN Aberdeen Country Park is provided with waste separation bins. Waste from these bins is collected by government and recovered and recycled accordingly. No Leisure and Cultural Services facilities in Aberdeen have been provided with Waste separation bins. Recycling Points on/around Aberdeen Streets are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Open space at junction of Pokfulam Road & Chi Fu Road (near Refuse Collection Point). Pavement at Ocean Park Road near Ocean Park Open space in front of 1 Sha Wan Drive Pavement of Hing Wo Street outside Tin Wan Market Pavement near Jumbo Pier at side of Yue Shi Cheung Road Carpark Pavement of Nam Ning Street near sitting out area, Aberdeen Yue Fai Road minibus terminus, Aberdeen Pavement of Aberdeen Praya Road near Ocean Court Pavement of Chengtu Road outsideAberdeen Market Complex Roundabout of Lee Man Road, Ap Lei Chau Pavement of Yuet Hoi Street outside Marina Habitat, Ap Lei Chau Junction of Nam Long Shan Road and Wong Chuk Hang Road near sitting out area Pavement of Nam Long Shan Road outside bus terminus
A break down on how much waste is collected and recycled from these points is not available.
RECYCLING IN ABERDEEN Companies involved in recycling in Aberdeen area: Type of recycling: Toner Cartridge LASERMAX (HONG KONG) LIMITED 15/F., Lea Hin Industrial Building, 41-43 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong Tel: 28700878 Contact: Ms. Sandy Hung Note:
There are 300 active waste collectors and 50 waste recyclers operating in Hong Kong.
Note:
Once waste has been identified for Aberdeen it may be worth putting together a directory of recyclers in Hong Kong, which companies in Aberdeen may contact to arrange to have their waste collected for recycling if they are not already doing this.
See:
The Directory of Recovery/Recycling Companies in Hong Kong (http://www.info.gov.hk/wrc/collst/000821/ engweb4a/start.html)
16
This was compiled by the EPD to facilitate materials recovery and recycling activities and waste reduction in Hong Kong. The Directory provides contact information for any parties who are interested in promoting and organising local materials recovery and recycling programmes.
WASTEWI$E The companies in Aberdeen that have joined the WasteWi$e Scheme to date are: • Ocean Park • Grantham Hospital (See http://www.info.gov.hk/wrc/main_wastewise.htm – for more information on WasteWi$e).
WASTE COLLECTION CAMPAIGNS IN ABERDEEN IN RECENT YEARS: A number of waste collection/waste reduction campaigns have been organised over the years through the Fishing Associations, Southern District Board and the Southern District Clean HK Campaign Committee. (CHAPS have further details and examples of brochures and leaflets distributed during these campaigns).
CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN: Contact: 45/F Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. Tel: 2868 0000 cleanhongkong@fehd.gov.hk Press Information re Clean HK Campaign: http://www.info.gov.hk/cleanhongkong/press.html District Promotion Activities: Southern District is responsible - contact details are: Mr Nick Au Yeung Tel: 2814 5755 The District office is planning to carry out two clean-up activities in June and July 2002
WATER/TIDE: Tidal predications and tidal stream maps for the next seven days are available online at www.hydro.gov.hk/tidal/tidal. htm. Aberdeen Harbour is shown on the charts and maps of the Lamma Channels. Due to the fact that it has two entrance/exit points, Aberdeen Harbour has better circulation than most typhoon shelters. However, it is essentially a stagnant body of water. This fact, coupled with the long-term dumping of litter, sewage and other waste, has resulted in a serious environmental and public health problem that has economic, social and political consequences.
SEWAGE: Problem of sewage has been greatly improved. DSD have recently completed the building of new Sewage works. The aim of these works was to greatly reduce the pollution levels of Aberdeen Harbour. Stage One included replacing old sewage and drainage pipes and constructing a new sewage pumping station to improve the Aberdeen Screening Plant as well as the capacity level of sewage disposal of Ap Lei Chau and the Aberdeen area. At present sewage is only screened at the Aberdeen Treatment Plant before it enters a long sewage pipe which goes out several 100 feet into the sea before being released. It is anticipated that HATS (Harbour Area Treatment Scheme) also being implemented by DSD will in future enhance the treatments levels of sewage from Aberdeen. Detailed information (Cantonese only) available from Civic Exchange. Further information can be obtained from Mr WC Ip, DSD, Tel 2594 7253. 17
The boatpeople / fishing community's sewage is still released untreated, directly into the harbour. It is presumed that most (probably none) of the fishing vessels have some form of sewage holding tank. All vessels owners of the Marina Club are required to have a sewage holding tank on board which is then emptied; the sewage is treated centrally by the Club. In the past Aberdeen was serviced by an older sewage system with no major sewage outflows into the Harbour. Instead a number of smaller pipes released the sewage directly next to the wall of the typhoon shelter. Studies by the Drainage Services Department showed that sewage was quickly dispersed, however it was considered unlikely that this was really the case. Sewage pipe plans are available from CHAPS.
OIL: Oil is another marine problem observed in Aberdeen Harbour. Oil slicks are seen regularly on the surface of the harbour. In the past the government did have an oil collection system in place however this no longer exists. The government did enter into discussions with Dunwell last year to try to work out an oil collection system for Aberdeen and the vessel owners. Unfortunately the system has as yet not been put into operation, due to a lack of funds. Dunwell are still keen to implement an initiative providing some funding is made available. At present it costs Dunwell HK$200 - 250 to collect and treat one drum of oil. Currently some sampan drivers take their excess oil to the shipyards to be recycled. Others sampan drivers sell the used motor oil to boats going to Mainland China to be sold to the shipyards there. On average, they get HK$200 - HK$300 per 200 liters.
SAND AND MUD: Sand and mud: Local construction companies and developers are responsible for dumping large amounts of sand and mud into the sea. This actually creates even more serious environmental and public health problems than littering or sewage outflow: • • • •
Destruction of marine ecosystems and sealing in of refuse, preventing dispersal Release of toxins from contaminated mud (dredging near Chep Lap Kok revealed high levels of cadmium and mercury in mud dumped by construction companies) Blockage of marine fairways Over time, dumping of sand will impede sewage outflow and may cause massive flooding of sewage facilities
Due to the multiple problems associated with the long-term build-up of sand and mud, the Civil Engineering Department is responsible for conducting maintenance dredging. This measure is very controversial and opposed by the Environmental Protection Department as any movement of refuse or sand will release more toxins. On the other hand, failure to use dredging as a control measure will result in the build-up of sealed toxins and the eventual blockage of marine fairways.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR ABERDEEN (Planning Department) The Focus Study On Aberdeen Harbour – Planning Department November 2001: Main Objectives of the Study: was to establish a coherent and robust planning framework for optimising the development potential within Aberdeen Harbour, with particular focus on tourism, recreation and associated activities.
18
Proposed Development plans for Aberdeen included: a) Five Major Tourism Nodes in the form of five piers providing different kinds of tourism and recreation uses: • Fish Market Quay • Ap Lei Chau Bazaar • Harbour Square • Po Chon Wan Quay • Middle Kingdom Redevelopment b) Provision of cultural and heritage trails c) Provision of waterfront promenades with lookout points and attractive designs d) Improvement of pedestrian linkages to future tourism nodes and waterfront promenades e) Provision of harbour taxi services f) Provision of street - and landscape enhancement. Further information regarding the Focus Study is available from the website: http://www.info.gov.hk/planning
19
APPENDIX 2: SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
#
Name of Stakeholder and represented party
1
Southern District Boat-Builder’s Association
1
Shum Hing Shipyard
2
Chuen Kee Shipyard
3
China Marine Service Lam Hing Shipyard Ltd.
4
Wing Ming Shipyard / Sun Tai Shing Shipyard
5
Wing Hing Shipyard
6
Yuk Hing Shipyard
7
Aberdeen Seafood Mutual Aid Fraternity Association
8
Aberdeen Fishery Merchants Association
9
Hong Kong & Kowloon Floating Fisherman Welfare Promotion Association
9
Hong Kong Fisherman Organization
10
Sampan Driver
11
Sampan Driver
20
GENERAL IMPRESSION OF ABERDEEN MARINE REFUSE
1
Boatyard
Overall, the interviewee really appreciates the way the HKSAR Government had attempted to communicate with the public through mail and public hearing about the issues concerning Aberdeen. There are indeed a lot of marine refuse in the Typhoon shelter. However, most of the major stakeholders such as fishermen, boat yards, factories, etc. have improved their habits of throwing trash into the water due to the following reasons: •
Fishermen are more educated about marine refuse now than in the past, especially when the government made living on the boats illegal and most of them have moved into nearby residential estates, less amount of trash are being generated.
•
Boat yards used to generate a lot of trash as well, but since 1997, the competition with Mainland China in boat-building and repair business have been so severe that much businesses are now outsourced directly to China’s boat yards. Therefore, when there isn’t much business, there isn’t much trash at all. Nowadays, the businesses that are still here in the boatyards are mainly contracts that have been signed and carried on forward or serving emergency situations such as damaged boat repairs, etc. The average cost difference between Mainland China and Hong Kong is approximately 50%.
•
The same situation with the local factories that used to release so much toxic water into the typhoon shelter, the situation is no longer since most factories have already closed down. Of course, there are still sewages that are being released directly into the water from the fishing boats, from the nearby hospitals, restaurants, and residential areas. Most of the refuse have sunk to the bottom. In the last 50 years, the water has become shallower by at least 20-30 ft. Fishing used to be possible just along the slipway, but now, only dead water filled with trash. In a nutshell, the current situation of marine refuse in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter is largely due to an accumulation of refuse generated in the past rather than now.
2
Boatyard
The water quality is pretty bad these days, but it was the worst about 10 to 15 years ago when the economy was booming at its peak. The water quality also depends on the wind. When it is blowing Southwest winds, there are certain dead spots in the typhoon shelter that would gather refuse, usually by the shipyards on Praya Road. Those that are located on Shum Wan Road are less likely to gather refuse since there isn’t much dead spots around.
3
Boatyard
The waste generated daily in the business is being collected systematically by the Government, which is very efficient. However, there isn’t any mechanism set up to collect large pieces of waste and it really created inconvenience because there isn’t any way for them to handle the waste. 21
4
Boatyard
The water quality in Aberdeen Harbour is definitely very bad. However, those who used to contribute tons of waste have reduced significantly due to the downturn of the economy as well as more education. On the other hand, even though there are more people educated about the issue, there are also many times more people now living in the area, which would still end up being a major issue.
5
Boatyard
The water quality is better than before since businesses that used to generate the most trash are now out-of-business or business is really slow.
6
Boatyard
The water in the Typhoon shelter can be improved, but it is the responsibility of the government. Compared to 10 years ago, the water quality in Aberdeen has improved. A couple of huge sewage pipes are releasing into the harbour. During the typhoon season, the water quality is worst than usual since broken trees and leaves would be blown into the water as well.
7
Fishermen
The overall water quality in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter is much worst than in the past.
8
Fishermen
The water quality in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter has greatly improved since new pipes have been put in place underneath the highway along the shoreline of Aberdeen a few years ago for the entire Southern District. It used to be that all the residential pipes went directly into the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. Now, they all go through a governmentowned water filtering process and release the water into South China Sea.
9
Fishermen
Trash is currently collected on a daily basis from the boats with yellow trash bags. The Marine Department has outsourced to private companies to collect trash from the boats. However, due to corruption, the contracts have been outsourced to companies who have little ability to perform the tasks. Instead, the tasks have been again sub-contracted, sometimes up to 3 layers of contractors, down to the people who have no ability to perform as well as people who are not responsible. Therefore, even though it seems like something has been done, it doesn’t have any significant outcome. The whole system is not organized and the process is not monitored by any designated party.
10
Sampan Driver The water quality in the shelter was definitely much better when she first started the sampan business. However, it was worst back about 10 to 15 years ago when the economy was booming at its peak. Now, since the economy has slowed down, the water is a bit cleaner.
11
Sampan Driver The water quality is definitely getting worst since there are a lot more people living in the area of Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau. It depends on the time of the year as well. In the winter when it is blowing northeast wind, the water tends to be much clearer since the refuse is being blown to South China Sea. However, in the summer when it is blowing Southwest winds, the water gets very cloudy. 22
RESPONSIBLE PARTIES FOR THE ABERDEEN MARINE REFUSE
1
Boatyard
There are many causes to the refuse issue. One has to do with the work attitude and sense of responsibility of the workers on-site. When they are barely making a living and raising their families, how much can you really expect them to do about waste and the protection of the environment. However, if the waste gets piled up and it is affecting their efficiency, they will definitely get rid of them. Second, the policy on environmental protection enforced by the government is usually unrealistic or inappropriate for the parties involved. For instance, the EPD came to talk to all the boatyards about an environmentally friendly dirt water filtering system that can be implemented into their current business. However, the system costs HK$10 million and even the largest shipyard in the area can not invested in such a system.
2
Boatyard
Fishing boats with used motor oils uncollected and pour into the harbour. Ap Lei Chau Residential Sewage pipes, such as Lei Don Estate, get released into the harbor. 10+ years ago, there was an incident where the Lei Don Estate Sewage pipes were broken and the waste get released into the harbour directly and caused polluted water in the harbour.
3
Boatyard
There are many causes to the refuse issue. One has to do with the work attitude and sense of responsibility of the workers on-site. When the workers are barely making a living and raising their families, how much can you really expect them to do about waste and the protection of the environment. However, if the waste gets piled up and it is affecting their efficiency, they will definitely get rid of them. Second, the policy on environmental protection enforced by the government is usually unrealistic or inappropriate for the parties involved. For instance, the EPD came to talk to all the boatyards about an environmentally friendly dirt water filtering system that can be implemented into their current business. However, the system costs HK$10 million and even the largest shipyard in the area can not invested in such a system.
4
Boatyard
There are many parties involved in the process to bring about the current situation of the harbour, including house boats, fishing boats, boat yards, construction companies, factories, residential and commercial sewage pipes, as well as the government or the lack of government policy.
5
Boatyard
No comment
6
Boatyard
Residential fishing boats used to generate lots of trash. However, they recognize a significant improvement since the government has started passing out the yellow trash bags along with education and promotion about he issue. 23
7
Fishermen
The government with all the Landfill projects is literally dumping trash into the water.
8
Fishermen
There are a number of stakeholders contributing to the situation: trash from land (trash blown or flown into the water), residential or commercial pipes releasing into the water, trash from boats, trash from abandoned boatyards (due to tides – some trash might linger at the shore of an abandoned boat yard where no one picks them up from the shore and the Water Police said it is not their responsibility), as well as construction companies. Besides the stakeholders who are contributing to the amount of trash in Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the lack of supervision and authority on trash collection also contributed to the overall situation.
9
Fishermen
Privatized trash collection companies also throw trash into the water for convenience when no one is watching. Boat people throw trash into the water for convenience.
10
Sampan Driver The government is responsible for implementing better policies in order to keep the water clean.
11
Sampan Driver There is a huge laundry service factory that is washing the sheets and towels for hospitals such as Queen Mary and the nearby Cancer patient hospitals. She has heard that both of these buildings have pipes going directly into the typhoon shelter. Sometimes, the harbour smells like medicine.
24
THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE ISSUE
1
Boatyard
Besides the government funded projects in collecting marine refuse and those from the land, there isn’t any events or promotion that are significant and consistent.
2
Boatyard
2 to 3 years ago, the government had commissioned a team to collect used motor oil. Actually, it was not necessary for the boatyards since the used motor oil can be used as lubricant. However, it is good for the fishing boats since they are the ones who will have to change motor oil and they are the ones who tends to the used motor oil be poured into the harbour. For large pieces of waste, they used to be allowed to burn them if they are burnable, such as wood. But now, the Environmental Department restrict them from burning anything on site. Therefore, they are forced to commission private companies to pick up the waste, or wait until someone comes by and finds them useful for their own purpose and takes them away. Sometimes, it is so frustrating that they would actually throw the big ones back into the harbour just to get rid of them.
3
Boatyard
Two trash collection centers are open for all on Shum Wan Road, It is very convenient in addition to the daily on-site trash collection. He is not aware of any community wide events such as Marine Safety Promotion Day and has not gotten involved at all.
4
Boatyard
Almost 17 years ago, there was a large vessel in the Aberdeen Harbour that serves as a floating trash collection center in the harbour for large pieces of waste that are not picked up by the regular trash collection routine. However, in the recent years, the vessel is still around but it will only allow designated trash collection boats sub-contracted from the government to throw trash in rather than everyone as it used to be. Now, if there is any major pieces of trash that needs to be thrown away, they will commission private companies to do so and they would end up paying at least a few hundred dollars for handling charges as well as the entrance fee to the land fill. For those large pieces of waste, they used to burn them on-site. However, the government has now made it illegal to do so. However, the interviewee noticed that across from Ap Lei Chau, along the shoreline of Aberdeen, there is a site, perhaps a government-owned site, that is processing trash by burning them. The Interviewee can’t see the reason for not allowing the boat yards to do the same.
25
5
Boatyard
The trash is picked up by the government on a daily basis and thinks it is very convenient. They would not pour used motor oil into the water since it is re-useable to them. It is the responsibility of the marine police to pick up all the marine refuse even though they might be on her property.
6
Boatyard
On a daily basis, they just put out their trash on the side streets for the government to pick up. They think it is very convenient. Sometimes, if they see marine refuse on their property, they would pick them up and leave them on the side streets for the government to pick up.
7
Fishermen
The association has not organized any community wide events to address the issue, but have actively participated in those that are organized by the Aberdeen Fishery Merchants Association. The association has also commissioned a private company to pick up the trash generated in the Seafood market on a daily basis. He is not certain where the trash goes after the collection. Another trend is that the fishermen are subsidizing their sea-caught seafood with those that they raise themselves in the fish farm. They now use filtered sea water to raise seafood to avoid the poor water quality issue.
8
Fishermen
The Seafood Market in Aberdeen (nearby Pier 1 and the Parking Lot) has commissioned someone with a trash collection truck by the name of Fat Kee to collect trash generated in the Seafood Market everyday. Types of trash generated are plastic bags, foams, pieces of wood, dead seafood, etc. The interviewee is not sure where the trash goes after its collection. He assumes that it goes to Landfill. New pipes have been put in underneath the highway by the shore to re-route water through the government-owned water filtering process and then releasing it into South China Sea. A small monthly fee to subsidize the running costs has been added to the Water bill for every resident and commercial entity in the Southern District. The calculation of the fee is measured based on water usage. A few years ago, an event was held at the border of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and South China Sea where a number of illegal buildings were taken down and the water was cleaned up. However, the situation did not sustain. The government has assigned a Southern District Clean-up Committee but it is not focused enough on the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.
26
During the end of 2001 as well as on Feb 24, 2002, an educational event on trash have taken place in Aberdeen where trash bags were passed out, souvenirs were passed out, pamphlets were passed out, banners were made hanging on the shoreline park and signs were made to hang on the boats, etc.
9
Fishermen
A foreigner had built a barge to collect trash in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter a few years ago. However, it was too expensive to perform the task even though it was very efficient. No further news was heard. The association had organized a Marine Safety Promotion Day last year during the summer to promote safety and harbour clean-up. It was a successful event and Mr. Kung plans to have the same event this year.
10
Sampan Driver She thinks that the yellow trash bag is an effective way of collecting trash from the boats. When it comes to used motor oil, she said that she would actually put it in a bucket and give it to the shipyards for recycling. She knows of quite a few sampan drivers would do that as well. She remembered that it used to have a company who would come to collect used motor oil but she will have to pay them on a per bucket basis. The truth is, she is already paying for the oil to operate the sampan, she doesn’t see why she needs to pay somebody else to take it away. Besides, she also didn’t have proper contact information to have the motor oil picked up if she decides to do so.
11
Sampan Driver The yellow trash bag works pretty well. When it comes to motor oil, she also brings them to the shipyards. She knows of other sampan drivers would sell the used motor oil to boats going to Mainland China. Those boats will in turn sell the used motor oil to the shipyards and other places in Mainland China. Typically, they will get about HK$200 HK$300 per 200 liters. She thinks that the contractor sampans that are supposed to collect trash from the water are very inefficient and very lazy. There is really no incentive for them to do a good job since they would get paid no matter what they do as long as they do something.
27
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS TO THE SITUATION
1
Boatyard
In order to improve the water quality in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, one needs to consider the following aspects that contributes to the problem: • narrow harbour • shallow water with lots of sunken and floating refuse • water traffic control To improve water quality, the typhoon shelter itself needs to be expanded. At the entrance to the typhoon shelter, there are two stone walls. They can be pushed back further to allow fresh water flowing into the shelter. Along with the expansion, the boatyards as well as the marina club can be moved further down so to free up land for tourism development, such as the Fisherman’s Wharf. Even though there was one hearing of public opinion regarding the plan for Fisherman’s Wharf in Aberdeen to attract more tourists, it is rather impractical because the boatyards and the marina clubs are right where the proposed location for such development. In addition, traffic jam on the roads to and from Aberdeen is also a serious problem that needs to be resolved before the city would become a major tourist attraction. Another issue that needs to be considered is that every 2 to 3 years, red tides will affect the water in the Typhoon Shelter. It is a serious situation and it sometimes takes weeks to clear it out. Another suggestion is that when the government plans to develop a new plan for Aberdeen to become a tourist attraction, it should also include Lamma Island as part of the equation for future tourist development. However, the government should also take serious consideration into the issue of return on investments since the initial investments into such plan is enormous and it will certainly take a long time to recognize the benefits.
2
Boatyard
15+ years ago, the Government had also provided a large vessel in the harbour to allow the neighborhood to bring large pieces of trash there to be collected. It was quite convenient and it worked well.
3
Boatyard
The Government overall needs to better communication with the community and local businesses when implementing new policies and plans. The Marine Police needs to better supervise its contractors on marine refuse collection. Perhaps they should switch a contractor company every year. With close supervision, they would be able to measure the results and performance of the contractors. New and restricted laws must be enforced regarding the issues. The lack of education is also another cause to the overall problem. Besides, the tools that are provided for the contractors to scoop refuse is completely ineffective. There needs to be a machine, such as the Water witch to scoop refuse, not tiny nets. At last, better communication mechanisms for the community to complain and report to the responsible government departments. Overall, the government has a 28
lack of communication across departments and the grey areas are where the problem exists. The Marine police needs to monitor more closely on law offenders even though they might not fine them. On a regular basis, the parking of boats in the typhoon shelter must be assigned and control in order to enhance water flow within the shelter.
4
Boatyard
People need to be aware of the legal consequences of intentionally throwing trash into the water. The interviewee has never seen anyone being ticketed and penalized for doing so. The marine police and the various stakeholders are very friendly to one another. They are almost friends and therefore would not penalize anyone even if they were seen. The government needs to be persistent on cleaning the environment. For instance, if a world leader decides to visit Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau for a day, it is certain that the whole town would be kept very clean and all the floating trash would be picked up. Therefore, it is a clear indication that the government and the people can actually achieve such standard of cleanliness for the environment. It is only a matter of whether or not they are committed to doing so. For those elderly folks who resist to change and continue to throw trash into the water, the interviewee suggested that they need to feel threatened and scared. For instance, they might get a ticket, get fined, and asked to be present in court to explain the reason for the act. Since these people are usually less educated or even illiterate, they would definitely be scared and would less likely to commit the act again. The government used to have floating trash collection machine where it only requires 1 person to operate. The way it works is that there is a large scoop with holes in it. When a person sailing / driving the machine in the water, he or she can use the mechanical arm to scoop up trash in the water while excess water would be released through the holes in the bottom. This machine addresses those trash that are filled with water even they might have been light-weighted to begin with. Since the Government has decided to outsource the picking up of trash in the water to contractors, it has abandoned the continued usage of those machines. Some of the abandoned ones can be seen along the shoreline of the Ap Lei Chau where the boat yards are located. Another situation he noticed is with the local rental yachts. Usually on the weekends when it is the busiest, rental yachts would generate trash that gets thrown into the water very often since there isn’t any mechanisms in place for early bird trash collection. On the weekends, trash should be picked up ideally before 8 am so that it allows the owners a bit of time to get the boat cleaned for the next group of customers. It might be worth looking into as well.
5
Boatyard
No comment
6
Boatyard
They said that they don’t know much but they have helped me to get in contact with the chairman of the Southern District Boat Builder’s Association. 29
7
Fishermen
No particular solution proposed.
8
Fishermen
The association is currently under negotiation with the government to provide Largesized Trash Collection service during Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and the Summer Holidays to collect items such as old refrigerators, old TVs, etc. The funny thing is, when the association asked the government department if they would pick up an old TV if it is being dumped into the water, they replied “yes” since they are responsible for picking trash in the water. However, they said that it is not their responsibility to arrange for any more additional trash pickup service. Another proposal that the association is also negotiating with the government is to provide used oil collection service when there is none in place at this time. The government should designate a committee to focus on cleaning up Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. An educational video targeting the Boat People — illustrating the possible consequences of continuous trash throwing into the water would threaten their livelihood. The various forms of penalty should also be communicated to the audience.
9
Fishermen
There needs to be an integrated approach to this issue. It is indeed a multi-disciplinary, cross-department issue. A combination of Education, Promotion, Money Incentives and Awards, Penalty, and Record Tracking is needed to create results. Another idea to create a Buy Trash program where trash is being weighted and paid for it a boat person brings trash to a designated Trash Collection Center. Used Oil Collection program to be paid by the gallon. Form a Trash Collection committee as watchdogs. It would be best if the Government endorse such committee by granting them to power to issue tickets with penalty is they see people throwing trash into the water. On the other hand, a competition can be put in place to record trash contribution on a daily basis amongst the boat people. At the end of the year, those who have gotten the most stamps (meaning the most trash contribution) would receive an award, etc.
10
Female Sampan It would be great if the government focuses on what’s important to them, which is about Driver reviving the overall economy, etc.
11
Female Sampan If the contractor sampans are paid by the amount of trash they bring to the trash vessel, the harbour would be very clean since they would try their best to scoop them all up. 30
However, the tools they are using are also too small for most trash in the harbour and they won’t be able to scoop them up unless they are given better tools to do it. The one hotspot right underneath the Ap Lei Chau Bridge is being cleaned only about once a month and it should be cleaned up more often. Additional Remarks: One of the fishermen’s associations had identified a pipe that is still releasing Yellowcolored water, especially on rainy days, into the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. They would definitely like to find out more about this particular pipe and where does the water come from.
31
APPENDIX 3: Waste Survey / Questionnaire for Clean Habour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP) Civic Exchange is to carry out a Clean Harbour – Aberdeen Project (CHAP) with the aim of creating a sustainable and community-based process for addressing the issue of marine waste. The project aims to improve public understanding of the causes of the problem of marine waste, promote civic engagement in finding solutions, foster community pride, build a volunteer network, and raise awareness of local heritage and the natural environment. To this end Civic Exchange will be carrying out a Waste Survey among companies operating around the Aberdeen Harbour as a means to building intellectual capital to identify waste streams and sources that contribute towards waste found in Aberdeen Harbour. All information collected during this process will be used for research purposes only. Analysis of the information will contribute towards our long-term goal of identifying potential solutions to control and manage waste in the Aberdeen Harbour area.
1.
AIM
The aim of this Waste Audit is to identify the sources and different types of waste found in and around the Aberdeen Harbour area. The Waste Survey should fulfil the following requirements: • Identify all waste streams generated around Aberdeen Harbour; • Identify existing waste management plans / controls; and • Identify options to minimise or eliminate waste.
2.
WASTE SURVEY METHODOLOGY
To date a large number of companies / individuals working around the Aberdeen Harbour shoreline have been identified as potential contributors to the waste problem in the Harbour. Civic Exchange will arrange to visit each of these companies/individuals and will carry out interviews with as many of these as possible, focusing on waste and waste management issues. Each on-site Waste Survey process will involve an interview with the company / individual to obtain information on: • All waste streams, their quantities and nature; • Waste handling practices / management / control; and • Waste disposal routes, contracts and where relevant, discharge permits.
3.
WASTE SURVEY REPORT
The subsequent report will provide Civic Exchange with information to draw up conclusions / recommendations on the following: • Waste generated around the Aberdeen Harbour Shoreline; • Waste management / controls / handling methodologies in the area; and • Areas where waste, energy or water usage could be reduced, or eliminated.
32
Waste Survey for: (company name)
Interviewee:
Number of employees:
Contact details:
Main Activities:
Interviewer is to collect information on the following areas:
AREA OF ANALYSIS
CONSIDERATIONS
WASTE
Description of solid waste eg.: wood, old / spare parts for engines, paper, etc. (include quantities if known).
REMARK / COMMENT / ANSWER
Description of waste for reuse, eg.: scrap metals (include quantities if known).
Description of waste recycled eg.: paper (include quantities if known).
Waste management/handling facility on site – provide description. (Interviewer to observe, if possible).
Waste management / handling facility off site – provide description. (Interviewer to ask to see observe, if possible).
Further information of waste disposal (eg: disposal methods: waste landfill, incineration etc.) if known.
Total of cost of waste disposal (if known)
Total cost of waste for reuse / recycling
33
Company Name:
Date:
AREA OF ANALYSIS
CONSIDERATIONS
WASTE WATER
Record number of on site water treatment facilities, if any. Interviewer to take a look at, if possible.
REMARK / COMMENT / ANSWER
Record water discharge outlets: type and number (eg. stormwater drain)
Discharges of water by type (concentration of heavy metals, organic compounds, oils / greases, etc.), if known
Volumes of discharge, if known.
Profile of water bodies into which discharges flow (eg. Aberdeen Harbour)
Total cost of water treatment, if known
CHEMCIAL WASTE
Record type of chemical waste produced
Total volume of chemical waste generated (if known)
Record disposal methods / management of chemical waste
Total cost of chemical waste handling (if known)
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Record type of hazardous waste produced
Total volume of hazardous waste generated (if known)
Record disposal methods / management of hazardous waste
Total cost of hazardous waste handling (if known) 34
Social Issues for: (company name)
Interviewee:
Number of employees: (if no waste survey was carried out)
Contact details:
Main Activities: (if no waste survey was carried out)
AREA OF ANALYSIS
CONSIDERATIONS
SOCIAL ISSUES
Who are the biggest polluters? What are they polluting? From which points?
REMARK / COMMENT / ANSWER
Where do you think the refuse comes from? How often is refuse collected from fishing boats? By whom? What can be done about the refuse problem? Who do you think is responsible for cleaning up the Harbour? Are people in Aberdeen concerned about the refuse problem in the Harbour? Has there ever been any communication about the waste in the Harbour between you and the government? If, so what? Is it still continuing? Does your company have any previous prosecutions regarding waste in the Harbour? Has your company ever participated in a clean-up Aberdeen Harbour event or something similar? Do you think your company may be interested in a clean-up Aberdeen Harbour event? If so, who would be the best person for us to contact in future to take this further? RECORD OF ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION (on separate sheet): 35