AN inter-departmental group dealing with floating refuse will come up with preventative measures by the end of next month, an official said yesterday.
The group was looking at how to stop refuse entering the water and how to remove it once it got in, chairman of the group, Director of Marine Ian Dale, told legislators from the environmental affairs panel.
Immediate proposals to tackle the problem would be reported to the Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang by August 22, he said.
They would consider long-term proposals later.
Mrs Chan initiated the setting up of the inter-departmental group this week.
According to the department's assessment, about 80 per cent of floating refuse is generated from the land.
At least 24 tonnes of refuse were found to be entering Victoria Harbour each day and up to 80 per cent by weight was being scavenged by the Marine Department. The rest moves around a wide water area.
