Asia/Pacific News
Sulfur Regulations Improving Air Quality in Hong Kong, Report Says
Air quality levels in Hong Kong have improved in the first half of 2015 compared to the same time last year, a change which has been attributed to the recent implementation of low-sulfur regulations on berthed ocean-going vessels (OGV), according to industry group Clean Air Network.
Though marine emission levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) still exceed World Health Organization (WHO) standards at most measuring stations, the number of hours of SO2 24-hour concentration exceeding WHO levels reportedly dropped in the first week of July compared to the last week of June.
"The results showed that if the administration has the will, there is way to improve the air," said CEO Kwong Sum Yin.
Though the results hint at positive signs in the future, there is still more that can be done, he said.
According to Kwong, the current standard for sulfur dioxide concentration in Hong Kong is 125µg/m3, a level which as not been exceeded in three years.
"The bar is set too low and we urge the government to align the standard with WHO recommended one: 20µg/m3," he said.
The new regulations impose a 0.5 percent cap on sulfur content in marine fuel for ocean-going vessels (OGV) berthed in Hong Kong.
It was confirmed early this year that the new regulations would go into effect July 1, 2015.
