Environment Statistics 2008

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total land area of Macao measured 29.2 km2 as at the end of 2008, with the population density rising from 18,000/km2 in 2007 to 19,000/km2. Total lane length of public roads was 404.4 km, and the motor vehicle density was 452 vehicles/km. Per capita green area was 12 m2, up by 6.2% over 2007. Data from the roadside monitoring station in Macao Peninsula showed that the level of air quality was classified as Good for 76.8% of the total number of days in 2008. However, the Northern District, Rua do Campo and Big Taipa Hill monitoring stations recorded 20 days, 9 days and 8 days respectively when the observed value of respirable suspended particulates exceeded the standard value. In 2008, the lowest pH value of rainwater was 3.4 (precipitation with pH value lower than 5.6 is classified as acid rain). The quality of potable water from the distribution networks and Water Treatment Plants of Macao conformed to the standard according to the results of the analysis carried out by the Laboratory of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; besides, salinity level of potable water was classified as Low in 2008. The approval rate of water samples taken from the 10 public swimming pools was over 80%. In addition, water quality of Hac Sa and Cheoc Van beaches showed improvement from 2007. Macau Waste Systems Company, Limited (CSR) collected 179,000 tonnes of domestic garbage and 75,000 tonnes of garbage from the business sector in 2008, up by 2.9% and 9.4% respectively over 2007, but volume of construction waste decreased notably by 37.8% to 1,940,000 m3; besides, 298,000 tonnes of garbage were sent to the Incineration Plant, up by 3.6%. As regards waste water treatment, equipment deterioration of the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Macao Peninsula decreased the total capacity of waste water treatment to an average of 124,000 m3 per day, down by 25.9% year-on-year. A total of 4,205 cases of noise complaint were reported in 2008, up by 13.0% year-on-year, mostly concerning noise from conversation and shouting, construction works, etc. With regard to educational activities on environmental protection, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Environment Council organized 385 promotional activities in 2008, with participation of approximately 320,000 persons.