The bureau, formed out of an office of the Health Department, has taken on responsibilities which were formerly spread among several government agencies.
照理說，環境保護工作應該包括自然景觀的維護和公害防治兩部份，但依照環保局組織條例規定，環保局在局長、副局長下，共分六組，掌理的項目分別是，第一組：綜合規畫。第二組：空氣汙染、噪音防治。第三組：水汙染、土壤汙染防治。第四組：一般環境衛生。