Best of our wild blogs: 13 Mar 15

What do our farmed fishes eat?
from wild shores of singapore

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Less waste generated, but less recycling too

SIAU MING EN Today Online 12 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE — Singapore generated less waste last year than in the year before, but the rate of recycling also fell marginally, figures released by the National Environment Agency (NEA) today (March 12) showed.

The total amount of waste generated last year fell by 4.3 per cent to 7.51 million tonnes of waste, reversing a general upward trend in recent years. Singapore generated 6.9 million tonnes of waste in 2011 and 7.27 million tonnes of waste in 2012.

The amount of construction debris waste generated recorded the biggest fall of about 25 per cent, as the construction sector saw a slowdown in projects. 1.27 million tonnes of construction debris waste was generated last year, down from 1.70 million tonnes in 2013.

Overall recycling rates fell by 1 percentage point to 60 per cent last year, with 4.47 million tonnes of waste recycled. Even though more plastic waste was generated, less of it was recycled, with recycling rates falling to 9 per cent last year from 11 per cent in 2013. The recycling rate of paper and cardboard waste also fell by 2 percentage points 52 per cent.

The amount of food waste generated fell slightly from 796,000 tonnes in 2013 to 788,600 tonnes last year. Food waste recycling rate remained at 13 per cent, but the figure is still lower than the 16 per cent in 2010. This comes as the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources announced plans for two food waste recycling pilots yesterday.

Director of sustainability consultancy Green Future Solutions Eugene Tay said the drop in both the overall recycling rate and waste generated could be due to the fall in amount of construction debris waste recycled and generated. Construction debris waste, ferrous metal waste and paper and cardboard waste are the top three contributors to the waste generated in Singapore.

The NEA noted that excluding construction and demolition waste, the overall recycling rate actually increased marginally from 51.1 per cent in 2013 to 51.4 per cent in 2014.

Singapore has set an overall recycling target of 70 per cent by 2030. Mr Tay felt the slight dip in recycling rates — which based on data on his website is the first decrease in 15 years — is “not very serious”, given how other waste types have also made improvements in their recycling rates. For instance, 59 per cent of the horticultural waste was recycled last year, up from the 48 per cent in 2013.

But he was concerned about the dip in the recycling rate of paper and cardboard, even as more homes are now equipped with recycling bins.

More also needs to be done to improve the situation for plastics waste, noted Mr Tay, adding that Singapore needs to reduce its consumption of plastics, while the authorities should also find a way to improve its recycling rates.

Singapore's recycling rates drop for first time in 15 years
Monica Kotwani, Channel NewsAsia 12 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE: Statistics published online by the National Environment Agency shows overall recycling rates in Singapore dropped to 60 per cent in 2014, down from 61 per cent the year before.

Channel NewsAsia understands it is the first time in 15 years that the national recycling rate has declined.

According to figures from online publication 'Zero Waste Singapore', recycling rates have increased steadily over the years.

In 2012, the recycling rate reached 60 per cent, meeting the Government's overall recycling target set out in 2002. Singapore is taregeting a 70 per cent recycling rate by 2030.

NEA says the large drop in construction waste generated - by about 425,000 tonnes - brought down the overall recycling figure. That is because construction waste is the second largest source of Singapore's waste.

Director of Green Future Solutions, Eugene Tay, says he is not too concerned about the slight dip in recycling rate. In fact, Singapore has reduced the rate of increase in the amount waste disposed.

He said figures show that the increase in the amount of waste disposed compared to 2013 is 0.6 per cent. In contrast, the rate of increase was 3 per cent for the 2012-2013 period. The amount of food waste disposed last year also dropped by more than 8,000 tonnes.

But Mr Tay pointed out that more needs to be done to reduce the consumption of plastics, and up plastic recycling rates. This includes identifying ways to help companies recycle their plastic waste.

- CNA/ly

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Diesel vehicle green scheme extended to 2017

Lim Yan Liang The Straits Times AsiaOne 13 Mar 15;

A scheme to encourage owners of higher-emission diesel vehicles to scrap their vehicles will be extended to 2017, starting this August.

The move will make vehicles with Euro II and Euro III ratings eligible for the Early Turnover Scheme (ETS), which will give their owners a discount on the certificate of entitlement (COE) for a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

Currently, the scheme encourages the early replacement of older and more pollutive Pre-Euro and Euro I vehicles.

The European emission standards, which have been progressively implemented in Singapore, set the acceptable exhaust emission limits for new vehicles sold in European Union member states.

The extension of the scheme will benefit businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said in Parliament yesterday when she announced the change.

It will run from Aug 1 this year to July 31, 2017 and is expected to affect about 59,000 Euro II and Euro III diesel vehicles under the COE Category C, which is for goods vehicles and buses.

Under the scheme, the replacement has to be a Euro IV or Euro V vehicle, for which owners will pay a pro-rated COE premium instead of bidding for a COE.

On average, they get a discount of more than $20,000 on the COE, as they can transfer the remaining COE period of their existing vehicle to the new vehicle.

They also receive a bonus COE period proportionate to the existing vehicle's remaining lifespan. It varies with different vehicles.

This bonus COE period will be raised for those who opt for an even greener Euro VI vehicle.

"With more vehicles eligible for the ETS, there would likely be more Category C vehicles which will be replaced directly, without needing to bid for a new COE," Mrs Teo said.
"Both the demand for and the supply of Category C COEs are thus likely to decrease correspondingly," she added.

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Paving the way for a car-lite, low-waste future

Lydia Lim The Straits Times AsiaOne 13 Mar 15;

One day in the future, the mobility dreams of young Singaporeans may well centre not on costly, pollutive cars but lightweight, eco- friendly devices like electric scooters on which to zip from home to bus or train and then on to work or leisure.

A peek into that future was provided by several MPs who joined the scrutiny of the Ministry of Transport's (MOT's) budget. Their questions and the responses of two office holders suggest that despite recent headline-grabbing rail service disruptions and persistent complaints about peak-hour congestion, the shift towards a more sustainable, less car-reliant future is gaining momentum.

Dr Janil Puthucheary (Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC) and Non-Constituency MP Gerald Giam urged regulators to stay ahead of innovations such as personal mobility devices (PMDs), which include electric scooters, as these can tilt the balance in favour of public transport by making the "last mile" to home or office that much easier for commuters.

But not everyone was as welcoming of PMDs and other alternative modes of transport, including cycling.

Mr Ang Wei Neng (Jurong GRC) and Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) said their proliferation could pose a danger to pedestrians.

In response, Parliamentary Secretary (Transport) Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said the ministry is working to establish clear and consistent rules and norms which will balance the interests of PMD users and pedestrians.

A pleasant surprise was his assurance that there would be room for flexibility, including "a slightly different set for towns that are ready to embrace more progressive rules and norms, for example in allowing cyclists and users of non-motorised PMDs to also use footpaths". The solution need not be "one size fits all", he added.

To be sure, most of the MPs who spoke were more concerned about longstanding transport issues of taxi fares, cost and supply of COEs as well as bus and train reliability and capacity.

Observing that the share of peak-hour trips on public transport rose to 66 per cent last year from 59 per cent in 2008, Mr Cedric Foo (Pioneer) said this was good news as extensive use of public transport is "the only sustainable way forward for a small city state like Singapore".

But he added: "We want to achieve this high mode-share because public transport is cost-effective, reliable and comfortable ... it would be disconcerting if the mode-share increased only because commuters have no other choices but a below-par public transport (system)."

That was also the sentiment of Parliamentary Secretary Low Yen Ling (Chua Chu Kang GRC). She described in detail her constituents' transport woes due to over-crowded buses and a lack of feeder bus services connecting them from home to shops and the nearest MRT station.

Among the MPs who spoke on cars was Mr Hri Kumar Nair (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC). He critiqued the way COEs are now categorised, and called for a more effective way to ensure affordability of COEs for small cars.

In defence of the COE system, Senior Minister of State (Transport) Josephine Teo said it exists to control the vehicle population size. She also pointed towards a future where the growth rate for the car population may have to be further cut from the current 0.25 per cent a year to 0 per cent.

By then, attitudes towards private car ownership may have shifted, if Mrs Teo's reading of present trends is accurate.

She said: "With the emergence of the sharing economy, many people, especially the younger generation, see the wisdom of renting or purchasing services when needed, rather than tying down funds for things they do not use all the time. They think it is smarter to be free of a car loan, and rely instead on a mix of transport options including buses, trains, walking, cycling, taxis or car-sharing services. The shift is taking place even in the United States, which is as car-loving a society as one can find."

Technology and shifting global norms - including the rise of the green movement - are working in MOT's favour for they not only enable people to choose lifestyles in line with a more sustainable future but also make these choices desirable.

Other ministries with sustainability on the agenda, such as the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), can also tap into this shift to address key challenges of waste reduction and water conservation.

MEWR is beefing up Singapore's water production capacity by building a third desalination plant - a crucial addition in the light of recent dry spells - as well as seeking to change water consumption habits.

Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said the goal is to cut water use from the current 150 litres per person per day to 140 litres per person per day by 2030.

What might help push this campaign along is a water-saving device that doubles as an object of desire - one as cool as an electric scooter, perhaps.

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Exhibition on possible climate change consequences to be held on Orchard Road

JORDON SIMPSON Today Online 12 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — For a glimpse of how climate change can disrupt daily life, this year’s World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour will have an exhibition of mock-ups, including one of a HDB flat grappling with a heatwave.

The “Climate Change Trail”, outside ION Orchard, will transport visitors to an alternate Singapore affected by climate change and extreme weather conditions. It will be opened to the public from March 13 to March 28,

The trail will feature three distinct scenarios unique to the Singapore context. The first scenario, a HDB flat facing an uncomfortable heatwave, reflects the increasing temperature extremes seen around the Asian region.

To signify the reduced food production of major food crops worldwide due to unpredictable weather, there will be a scenario of a supermarket grappling with a food shortage and increased prices.

The last scenario features a disaster caused by extreme rainfall and flooding, which are related to rising sea levels.

The three scenarios are each built into compact rooms in front of ION Orchard, and have a variety of actors and props, such as smoke and sandbags, to make the exhibition more impactful.

Besides the main event at ION Orchard, there will also be independent satellite events and activities held by several grassroots communities in areas such as West Coast Community, North West Community Development Council and Hong Kah.

These events are aimed at teaching residents how they can make a difference in the battle against climate change.

Apart from these activities, there will also be the traditional one-hour lights-off event, to be observed from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 28.

The 60 minutes of darkness is meant to bring together millions of people around the globe to show their support for a sustainable planet, and how they can each use their power to combat climate change.

According to the WWF, the companies taking part in this year’s event includes IKEA, NTUC FairPrice and StarHub. CapitaLand, the developer of ION Orchard, will also be getting over 200 of its properties in Asia and Europe to participate in Earth Hour 2015.

'Heatwave, food crisis' in Orchard Road
Samantha Boh The Straits Times AsiaOne 14 Mar 15;

EARTH Hour is no longer just about switching off lights. This year, there will also be a chance to experience a heatwave, and learn about the effects of a flood and food shortage.

This will be done through a Climate Change Trail created by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore, with booths illustrating the three extreme climate scenarios.

"These are scenarios which many people believe may not happen or are not likely to happen. But research has shown that they are very real," said WWF Singapore chief executive Elaine Tan.

Climate change is a subject that is difficult to grasp, she said. Acting on it is even tougher, hence the need to let visitors experience the effects first-hand.

People who walk into the booth that simulates a heatwave will be hit by temperatures of up to 42 deg C. They will also hear the buzzing of mosquitos in their ears, which is meant to illustrate a rise in dengue cases brought on by the dry weather, as there will be more stagnant water around.

The booth that features intense floods, as a result of rising sea levels and extreme rainfall, will have mist blown at visitors to mimic rain.

There will also be a skit, set in a supermarket, to show the impact of a food shortage and how that can lead to skyrocketing prices.

WWF Singapore aims to have at least 30,000 people visit the trail, which is located in front of Ion Orchard. It will run from today to March 28, from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays and 2pm to 9pm on weekends.

Biologist Nicole Dorville, 26, said the skit will be an eye-opener. "People think of climate change as only a change in weather but they don't realise it affects our food supply too," she said.

The trail will be a prelude to Earth Hour, which will take place from 8.30pm on March 28, when participating organisations and households will turn off their non-essential lights for an hour.

One firm which has already pledged its support is CapitaLand, which will be switching off the facade lights and non-essential lighting of 200 properties across Asia and Europe throughout the night.

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Best of our wild blogs: 12 Mar 15

Green Drinks: Shifts and Solutions in Sustainable Commercial Interiors
from Green Drinks Singapore

UN report warns of grave consequences if mangroves not protected
from Mongabay.com news

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'No rush' into decision on how to revamp Rail Corridor: MND

Channel NewsAsia 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE: While various proposals have been received on how to revamp the Rail Corridor for future use, there is "no rush" to develop the entire stretch at once, said Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee on Wednesday (Mar 11).

Speaking at the 2015 Committee Of Supply Debate, Mr Lee announced that the authorities are ready to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the concept master plan and design concepts for the Rail Corridor, which consists of the 24km-stretch of land left vacant by the former KTM raiway track.

The Government has been "actively seeking views and ideas" on what people would like to see in the vacated space, said Mr Lee. For example, a group called the Rail Corridor Partnership has been formed to foster dialogue with interest groups, academics, design professionals and government agencies.

Some of the ideas put forward including recreational use, such as for cyclists or trail walking, and community use, such as gardens and urban farms. The Government's approach is to "encourage community ownership" of the Rail Corridor, Mr Lee said.

A public exhibition will be held later this year to showcase the various proposals, he said, following the launch of the RFP.

"However, given the length of the Rail Corridor, there is no rush to work on the whole stretch all at once. Instead, the enhancement of the Rail Corridor will be carefully and sensitively staged, and we will work closely with local communities to realise its full potential," he added.

- CNA/es

Govt set to call for proposals on Rail Corridor development
LAURA ELIZABETH PHILOMIN Today Online 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — After three and a half years of engaging the public to gather feedback, the Urban Redevelopment Authority is ready to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Rail Corridor’s concept master plan and design concepts.

Announcing this during the second day of the Ministry of National Development’s Committee of Supply debate today (March 11), MND Minister of State Desmond Lee said the RFP will firm up the overall plan and design, which will guide developments in the coming years.

Some suggestions for the 24km railway line included creating a commuter cycling route into the central business district area or using spaces for community uses such as gardens and urban farming. “We should support this, to encourage community ownership of the Rail Corridor,” Mr Lee said.

Such feedback, together with ideas formulated by the Rail Corridor Partnership involving interest groups, academics and design professionals, have been distilled into the Planning and Design Goals under the RFP brief.

Given the length of the Rail Corridor, there will be no rush to work on the whole stretch all at once, said Mr Lee. “Instead, the enhancement of the Rail Corridor will be carefully and sensitively staged, and we will work closely with local communities to realise its full potential,” he added.

Govt to call for Rail Corridor proposals soon
Janice Heng The Straits Times AsiaOne 13 Mar 15;

Work on planning for the future of a 24km green stretch of former railway track will begin soon, with the authorities set to make a formal call for ideas.

The upcoming request for proposal (RFP) is for a masterplan and design concepts for the Rail Corridor, which runs from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands, said Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee yesterday.

"The RFP will enable us to firm up the overall plan and design for the Rail Corridor, which will then guide how it will be realised in the coming years," said Mr Lee in the debate on his ministry's budget.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority has incorporated public feedback into the planning and design goals, which will be part of the RFP brief, he added.

A public exhibition will be held later this year to showcase the proposals received.

"However, given that the length of the Rail Corridor is 24km, there is no rush to work on the whole stretch all at once."

Mr Lee was replying to MPs' questions on green topics such as tree conservation.

To Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC), who wanted protection for old trees, Mr Lee said that removing old trees is done "only after very careful consideration".

"Where possible, we will find new homes for these mature trees, and have transplanted some 2,100 trees just last year alone," he added.

Mr Chen Show Mao (Aljunied GRC) of the Workers' Party wanted specific guidelines - perhaps set out in legislation - for when environment impact assessments are required for development projects.

In reply, Mr Lee said only that these assessments are applied "to projects that may most adversely impact our protected natural spaces, and coastal and marine environments".

Separately, the Building and Construction Authority yesterday gave details of a $20 million fund to test new energy-efficient technologies, such as under-floor cooling systems, in actual buildings.

The GBIC-Building Energy Efficient Demonstrations Scheme aims to mitigate the financial risk of testing out new technologies, by co-funding costs such as equipment and installation. It will also cover the cost of removing the technology if the trial fails.

The scheme is one of three activities under the $52 million Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC) programme launched in September.

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2,100 mature trees transplanted last year: MND

LAURA ELIZABETH PHILOMIN Today Online 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — Recognising that old trees are part of Singapore’s natural heritage, efforts have gone into ensuring such trees are not cut down discriminately and are only done so after “very careful consideration”, said Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee.

Last year alone, the National Parks Board (NParks) transplanted some 2,100 mature trees, which had to make way for development works. Speaking during the Committee of Supply debate for the Ministry of National Development today (March 11), Mr Lee said where possible, the Government will find new homes for mature trees that have to be cleared.

He was responding to concerns raised by Member of Parliament Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC), who pointed out that more than 95 per cent of Singapore’s original forest cover has been cleared.

Mr Seah, who is also a board member of NParks, acknowledged there have been some measure of “greening” Singapore. “But I ask that we be clear-eyed about it – a 100-year old tree is surely different from a six-month old shrub and manicured road dividers in term of ecological value,” he pointed out.

Mr Lee, in his response, also noted that 222 trees have been designated as Heritage Trees under the Heritage Trees Scheme which protects mature trees. Some of these trees are more than 150 years old.

In the meantime, NParks has continued to plant trees, and last year more than 38,000 trees were planted, 1.5 times more than the average in recent years, he said. NParks also accelerates replacement of greenery by setting up tree banks to raise semi-mature trees for planting.

Mr Lee also said that by this year, about 300km of park connectors would have been developed, bringing Singapore closer to the goal of 400km by 2030. Singapore has also increased the total area of skyrise greenery to more than 65 hectares. “Where possible, we will incorporate more greenery within our public housing estates and infrastructure such as MRT stations and covered linkways, to create a rich green environment all around us,” he said.

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Singapore's 3rd desalination plant will be built at Tuas: MEWR

Channel NewsAsia 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE: A third desalination plant will be constructed at Tuas to ensure Singapore’s water supply continues to be resilient, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 11).

In his Committee of Supply 2015 speech, Dr Balakrishnan pointed out the dry weather in recent weeks and the lower-than-average rainfall for January and February are “signals that we must prepare for a future where dry spells may become more prolonged due to climate change”.

The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) is also exploring the possibility of building more desalination plants to enhance water security and network resilience, he added.

However, Dr Balakrishnan conceded that “infrastructural resilience has its limits”, and said the Government would seek to educate the public on reducing water wastage.

“It is possible for people to change their habits. We have reduced our daily per-capita domestic water consumption from 165 litres per person per day in 2003 to 150.4 litres per person per day today,” he said. “We aim to lower this to 140 litres per person per day by 2030.”

FOSTERING THE RIGHT HABITS

“We need to also develop our people’s resilience. Our water supply cannot be expanded infinitely and we must manage our water demand properly by focusing on water conservation and fostering the right habits in people.”

Additionally, the PUB is exploring the use of underground space for water infrastructure, and is working closely with large water users to push the boundaries on industrial water efficiency, said Dr Balakrishnan.

PUB LOOKING INTO UNDERGROUND SPACES FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

National water agency PUB will be calling a tender for consultancy services to study the technical and economic feasibility of using underground spaces for the future redevelopment of its Kranji water reclamation plant and NEWater factory, it announced in a media release on Wednesday.

The consultancy study will look into different plant design options for the Kranji plant and the NEWater factory, so land can be used optimally – as compared to exiting water reclamation plants. This can be done through constructing higher buildings, deeper basements, or the use of underground rock caverns, said PUB. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

PUB also noted that the relocation of utilities infrastructure could free up surface land for other uses, and create a more pleasant living environment for people to live, work and play above ground.

- CNA/ct/dl

Laws to reduce water use during drought could be in the pipeline: Balakrishnan
NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — Washing of cars and pavements, as well as the watering of lawns, could become offences in times of severe drought.

The Government is considering changes to the Public Utilities Act to impose water restrictions during periods of severe drought, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan today (March 11), during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate.

Water consumption went up during the dry spell last February despite reminders to conserve the resource. But the authorities did not have to resort to water rationing because of water infrastructure — such as water recycling and desalination plants — built over the years, he said.

Singapore has also experienced dry weather in the first two months of this year, and Dr Balakrishnan said the plants are running at 70 per cent capacity, resulting in higher water levels at the reservoirs than they would otherwise be.

More facilities will be built to cater to water needs: A third desalination plant will be built in Tuas, and more will be built in other parts of Singapore, he said.

To ensure the infrastructure does not take up land that could be used for other purposes, he said underground space could be used. National water agency PUB will call a tender for consultancy services to study the feasibility of using underground space, including rock caverns, for the future redevelopment of its Kranji Water Recalamation Plant and NEWater factory.

Singapore Budget 2015: PUB to study underground spaces for water infrastructure
FENG ZENGKUN Straits Times 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE - Singapore will be looking underground for new places to store its water infrastructure, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament on Wednesday.

National water agency PUB is also calling a tender to study the feasibility of using underground space, such as rock caverns, for the redevelopment of its Kranji water reclamation plant and Newater Factory.

The plant and factory are expected to be redeveloped and expanded around the year 2030, as part of the integrated used water system consisting of the Changi, Tuas and Kranji water reclamation plants in east, west and north Singapore respectively.

"Currently, Singapore's water reclamation plants are built on surface land. With a limited land area of about 718 sq km, Singapore is continuously challenged to come up with innovate and practical solutions to create new spaces," said PUB.

"The relocation of utilities infrastructure underground has the potential to free up surface land for other uses, and create a more pleasant living environment for people to live, work and play above ground," it added.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 2016, and will look at the challenges of constructing and operating a plant in an underground cavern. These include the need for back-up systems for power, odour control, air ventilation and other mechanical systems.

Designs to cope with potential floods or fires will also need to be put in place.

Govt eyes limits on water use in severe drought
PUB considering underground space for plants, other facilities to cater to S’pore’s water needs
NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 12 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — Washing of cars and pavements, as well as the watering of lawns, could become offences in times of severe drought.

The Government is considering changes to the Public Utilities Act to impose water restrictions during severe drought, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan yesterday during his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate.

Water consumption went up during the dry spell in February last year despite reminders to conserve the resource. But the authorities did not have to resort to water rationing because of infrastructure, such as water recycling and desalination plants, built over the years, he said.

“Whilst I don’t envisage the need for water rationing, I do need to put people on notice that if the dry spell or drought is prolonged, we will have to impose water restrictions and to impose (them) through subsidiary legislation,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

“In addition, we’ll also study whether we need to further refine the current legislative framework to give legal effect to water restrictions. So what this means is during prolonged dry spells, we make it illegal to use water to wash the cars, or to use it on pavements or use it to water grass and lawns.”

Singapore has experienced dry weather in the first two months of this year, and Dr Balakrishnan said the plants are running at 70 per cent capacity, resulting in higher water levels at reservoirs than there would be otherwise.

More facilities will be built to cater to water needs: A third desalination plant will be built in Tuas, he said.

Underground space could be used to free up surface land for other uses, he said. National water agency PUB announced yesterday it will call a tender to study the feasibility of using underground space, including rock caverns, for the future redevelopment of its Kranji Water Reclamation Plant and NEWater factory.

The facility is due for redevelopment and expansion around 2030, PUB said. The 18-month consultancy study, expected to be completed by the end of next year, will look into design options for the plant and factory, such as the building of higher storeys, deeper basements and the usage of underground rock caverns.

Singapore’s water reclamation plants are currently built on surface land, with treatment process units housed in buildings above ground. Basements extend up to 70m below ground. NEWater factories have in recent years been housed on the rooftop of water reclamation plants to facilitate large-scale water recycling, such as in Changi and the upcoming one in Tuas.

PUB said challenges in constructing and operating a plant in an underground cavern include safety and ventilation requirements. Back-up systems are needed for power, odour control, air ventilation and other mechanical systems. The impact of potential floods or fires must also be mitigated.

“There needs to be careful assessment as we evaluate the impact of going underground and determine the most optimal options,” said PUB’s director of policy and planning William Yeo.

Alongside these efforts, the Government aims to reduce per capita daily domestic water consumption from 150.4 litres today, to 140 litres by 2030. The domestic sector accounts for 45 per cent of Singapore’s total water use of about 400 million gallons a day.

Third desalination plant to be built
Feng Zengkun The Straits Times AsiaOne 12 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE will build a desalination plant in Tuas to treat more seawater, to meet the country's growing water needs.

Announcing this yesterday in Parliament during the debate on his ministry's budget, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said the new plant will also help to tide Singapore over dry spells.

He noted that Singapore had experienced dry spells last year as well as reduced rain this year. "We need to prepare for periods of drought and dry spells in future," he said. Singapore currently uses about 400 million gallons of water a day, but this could almost double by the year 2060.

The new desalination plant will be the third in the country when it is completed in 2017.

With it, Singapore will be able to produce up to 130 million gallons of water a day from seawater, up from the current maximum of 100 million gallons a day. The Government is considering building more desalination plants.

Desalinated water, or treated seawater, now meets up to 25 per cent of current water demand and is expected to continue to meet up to 25 per cent of demand by 2060.

Newater, which is treated used water, is slated to meet up to 55 per cent of Singapore's water demand by 2060, up from as much as 30 per cent now.

Singapore's two other national taps are treated rainwater and water imported from Malaysia, but the agreement with Malaysia will expire in 2061.

Dr Balakrishnan noted, however, that Singapore's water supply cannot be expanded infinitely, so Singaporeans should help to conserve water.

The Government may have to impose water restrictions during prolonged dry spells and droughts, such as making it illegal for people to use water to wash cars, so it is now studying whether it needs to refine existing legislation, he added.

Separately, national water agency PUB is calling a tender to study the feasibility of using underground space, such as rock caverns, for the redevelopment of its water reclamation plant and Newater factory in Kranji.

The plant and factory are expected to be redeveloped and expanded around the year 2030, as part of the integrated used water system consisting of the Changi, Tuas and Kranji water reclamation plants in east, west and north Singapore respectively.

"The relocation of utilities infrastructure underground has the potential to free up surface land for other uses, and create a more pleasant living environment for people to live, work and play above ground," PUB said.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by next year, and will look at the challenges of constructing and operating a plant in an underground cavern.

These include the need for back-up systems for power, odour control, air ventilation and other mechanical systems. Designs to cope with potential floods or fires will also be needed.

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Anti-flood measures: Projects to improve drainage at 35 locations this year

Channel NewsAsia 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE: To reduce the risk of flooding, drainage improvement projects will take place at 35 locations around Singapore this year, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

Similar projects have been completed at more than 190 locations around Singapore since 2012, he said at the Committee of Supply Debate on Wednesday (Mar 11). Works now ongoing at another 119 locations will be completed by 2018.

The construction of the Stamford Canal Detention Tank is expected to be ready by the middle of 2016, while the Stamford Diversion Canal is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. Together, the level of flood protection for the Stamford Canal catchment - which includes the Orchard Road area - will be enhanced significantly, he said.

The flood prone area in Singapore, at 34ha, is now just 1 per cent of the 3,200ha in the 1970s, Dr Balakrishnan said.

But he said it was impossible to rule out the possibility of floods entirely. “Despite our best efforts, our drains have a finite capacity. It is not possible to totally eliminate the possibility of floods during intense rain, especially in low lying areas. We therefore need to take steps to mitigate the impact of floods, and provide timely information and alerts to the public so that they can take necessary precautions.”

ABC WATERS PROGRAMME CREATES 'COMMUNITY SPACES'

Separately, Dr Balakrishnan said MEWR will be embarking on six new Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters projects this year, to create "blue community spaces that allow residents to own and enjoy pockets of Singapore’s water resources".

A total of 27 ABC Waters projects have been completed so far, including the recent Rochor Canal, which was officially opened last Sunday.

He revealed that another two projects at Sungei Api Api and Sungei Tampines are also scheduled to open later this month, while four other projects will be completed and opened to the public later this year. In 2016, ABC Waters projects may be implemented at Sungei Pinang and the canal along Hougang Ave 1, he said.

- CNA/xk

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Tighter industrial emissions standards for better air quality

SIAU MING EN Today Online 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — Industrial emissions standards will be tightened to improve air quality standards, as industries such as power stations and oil refineries account for a significant portion of particulate matter and sulphur dioxide emissions, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan today (March 11).

Speaking at his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate in Parliament, he also noted that Singapore failed to meet the 2020 air quality targets last year.

The annual mean for PM2.5 was 18 microgrammes per cubic metre last year, more than the 2020 target of 12 microgrammes per cubic metre. Meanwhile, the highest 24-hour mean for sulphur dioxide was 83 microgrammes per cubic metre last year, also far from the 2020 target of 50 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Last year, industries such as power stations and oil refineries accounted for almost all of the locally generated sulphur dioxide emissions and 43 per cent of PM2.5 emissions.

“We are therefore working with the companies involved in these industries to reduce their emissions and we will be tightening the industrial emissions standards for a range of air pollutants in order to help us achieve our targets for cleaner air,” Dr Balakrishnan said.

More details will be released later this month.

In addition, Category C diesel vehicle owners will soon receive greater impetus to go green. The Early Turnover Scheme (ETS) will be expanded to include owners of Cat C diesel vehicles with Euro II/III emissions standards.

Both Members of Parliament Penny Low (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) and Yeo Guat Kwang (Ang Mo Kio GRC) noted that diesel-driven vehicles are key domestic contributors of PM2.5 pollutants here. They asked if the ministry has further plans to reduce harmful emissions from these vehicles.

At present, vehicles account for 57 per cent of local PM2.5 emissions.

In response, Dr Balakrishnan said from August, these light commercial diesel vehicles will be given a certificate of entitlement (COE) bonus of 10 per cent of the remainder of the vehicle’s 20-year lifespan. The heavy commercial diesel vehicles will be given a COE bonus of 90 per cent of the remainder of its 20-year lifespan.

On the issue of transboundary haze, Dr Balakrishnan said the trigger conditions for the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, which was passed in Parliament last year, have not been invoked yet. Despite the increased number of hot spots in Riau last year, wind conditions prevented a repeat of the haze episode in 2013, he added.

Dr Balakrishnan also reiterated the importance of cooperation with foreign governments and private companies.

“I don’t intend to engage in barbs with other foreign politicians, but let me just say this: Remember that it is not just Singaporeans who are the victims, but there are even more Indonesian victims who are suffering because they are living right in the midst of the peat fires,” he said.

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Day off for Town Council cleaners to target littering scourge: Balakrishnan

NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 11 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — Cleaners with various town councils this year will be given a day off, with residents instead mobilised to clean up their own neighbourhoods, as part of fresh efforts to tackle the littering scourge.

The standard of cleanliness in Singapore has fallen, with surveys showing that from 2006 to 2010, the number of litter items collected almost doubling, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament today (March 11).

He joined Members of Parliament who spoke at his Ministry’s Committee of Supply debate in calling for greater civic consciousness, as he signalled his resolve to reduce the littering menace.

Hougang MP Png Eng Huat called for public cleanliness posters, jingles and banners of decades past to be “recycled” this Jubilee year to drive home the message to the community to keep their surroundings clean.

Dr Balakrishnan said campaigns have never stopped. “I think what has changed is behaviour and perhaps our propensity to enforce in the past. But now that we have changed onto a higher enforcement posture, and with more volunteers and with everyone being prepared to exert peer pressure, I’m determined to make a difference on the ground as far as littering is concerned,” he said.

Several new ways to address the littering problem here include equipping enforcement officers with body-worn cameras to document abusive behaviour of litterbugs, providing more training to volunteers, and encouraging organisers to involve participants in cleaning up after major events.

More efforts made to tackle rise in littering
NEO CHAI CHIN Today Online 12 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE — With falling standards of cleanliness in Singapore, fresh efforts are being made to tackle the littering scourge, including possibly giving cleaners at various town councils a day off this year and mobilising residents to clean up their neighbourhoods instead.

Surveys showed that the number of litter items collected from 2006 to 2010 had nearly doubled, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament yesterday.

He joined Members of Parliament who spoke at his Ministry’s Committee of Supply debate in calling for greater civic consciousness and signalled his resolve to reduce the menace, which contributes to the S$120 million spent cleaning public areas each year.

About 19,000 tickets were issuing for littering last year, almost double that of 2013. Some hot spots are even cleaned once every two hours, Dr Balakrishnan said.

While cleaning regimes will be stepped up, Singapore cannot depend on “an ever-growing army of cleaners”. Citing a survey conduced in 2010 which found that a third of Singaporeans would litter if they thought they could get away with it, Dr Balakrishnan said such an attitude reflects one’s lack of pride in his own country and a lack of respect and consideration for others.

Littering came under the spotlight recently after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and several other politicians noted the staggering amount of rubbish left behind at the Laneway Festival in January.

In Parliament yesterday, Hougang MP Png Eng Huat called for public cleanliness posters, jingles and banners of decades past to be “recycled” this jubilee year to drive home the message for the community to keep its surroundings clean.

Dr Balakrishnan said campaigns have never stopped. “I think what has changed is behaviour and perhaps our propensity to enforce ... But now that we have changed to a higher-enforcement posture, and with more volunteers and with everyone being prepared to exert peer pressure, I’m determined to make a difference on the ground as far as littering is concerned,” he said.

New ways to address the littering problem here include equipping enforcement officers with body-worn cameras to document the abusive behaviour of litterbugs, providing more training to volunteers, and encouraging organisers to involve participants in cleaning up after major events.

Body-worn cameras are aimed at preventing cases of abuse. Last April, an enforcement officer who approached someone smoking illegally at a HDB void deck was punched in his right eye. The offender was eventually arrested and sentenced to three months in jail for assault, said Dr Balakrishnan.

The Government will make it easier for the public to provide video and photographic evidence that can be used in court, he said, addressing a point by Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who said anyone with a phone that can capture the act of littering in Taipei is part of the enforcement team. Its City Council puts up information online on how to take photos and videos and report the littering act. Fines from any successful prosecution are shared with the informant, said Dr Lee, who was impressed that schools in Taiwan are cleaned by students, instead of cleaners, and by the cleanliness of its streets even early in the morning.

Volunteers in Singapore roped in to get litterbugs to pick up their litter will be given the same training that new officers with the National Environment Agency (NEA) undergo, said Dr Balakrishnan. They will no longer need to be affiliated with a non-government organisation to join. There are today more than 250 volunteers, who have engaged over 800 litterbugs.

High-rise littering is another growing problem, with almost 2,500 complaints received last year, compared with 1,600 in 2013, he said. Using surveillance cameras, the NEA has taken enforcement action in 541 cases that happened last year. Marine Parade GRC MP Tin Pei Ling called for high-rise litterbugs to be named and shamed, given how peer pressure was less applicable in curbing high-rise littering, but Dr Balakrishnan said it was not something he wanted to rush into.

With event organisers encouraged to get participants involved in cleaning up, such as at this year’s National Day Parade, Dr Balakrishnan said he hoped this would help set a new social norm.

'Clean your own neighbourhood day' as part of anti-littering drive
Audrey Tan The Straits Times AsiaOne 13 Mar 15;

Every year, town councils are going to set aside one day when residents will clean their own neighbourhoods. This is part of a plan to battle the ever-mounting litter problem.

Other steps to be taken include officers of the National Environment Agency (NEA) being kitted out with body-worn cameras - like those used by the police - to capture abuse and attacks by people.

"We will also make it easier for members of the public to submit video or photographic evidence which we can use for investigation and prosecution," Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said in Parliament yesterday, when he announced a raft of anti- littering measures being considered by his ministry, which oversees the NEA.

It is also looking at ways to get people to clean up after themselves at major events, including this year's National Day Parade.

"Spectators and participants will be encouraged to clean up the Padang at the end of each show and its fringe celebrations... as a reflection of our national pride."

These moves are prompted by the attention drawn to the issue in January, following Facebook posts from three politicians, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

They had commented on the appalling amount of rubbish left behind by about 13,000 concert- goers at the Laneway Festival at Gardens by the Bay.

Yesterday, Dr Balakrishnan said the standard of cleanliness has fallen, with his ministry's surveys showing that from 2006 to 2010, the litter observed or collected had almost doubled.

The cleaning bill for public places comes to a projected $120 million a year, with some hot spots being cleaned once every two hours, he added.

Responding to Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC), he said the NEA's Community Volunteer Scheme will no longer be just for volunteers of non-governmental organisations such as the Waterways Watch Society and Singapore Kindness Movement.

Others can join as well, and all volunteers will get the same training as new NEA officers, giving them "similar status and authority as a regular NEA officer", he said, adding that the laws will be amended later.

"We must become more like Japan and Taiwan, where it is peer pressure and role modelling that set the standard," he added.

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