Development of Sediment Quality Values for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: A Possible Model for Other Jurisdictions

A procedure for using “international” sediment quality values to derive non-criteria screening values for a specific jurisdiction, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong), is described, related to dredging activities. Recommendations are provided for collecting and using site-specific data to confirm, refine or revise these values, including incorporation of such values into regulatory frameworks and defining the limits of their utility. The procedure and recommendations could provide a model for other jurisdictions developing their own sediment quality values. Recent developments involving adaptation of the recommended values by regulators in Hong Kong are also described