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Following is a question by the Hon Martin Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (December 12):
Question:
Regarding the management of nullahs, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) In each of the past three years, of the number of complaints received by the Government concerning illegal discharge of sewage, as well as the respective numbers of warnings issued and prosecutions instituted against illegal discharge of sewage; and among them, the respective numbers of complaints, warnings and prosecutions concerning illegal connection of sewers to nullahs; and
(b) Whether it will make reference to the greening approach adopted for the Yuen Long Nullahs and carry out similar greening projects for the nullahs in other districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) will regulate wastewater discharge in accordance with the Water Pollution Control Ordinance, including illegal connection of sewers made to nullahs. Illegal discharge and connections are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 6 months. In the past three years, EPD received the following wastewater discharge complaints, illegal wastewater discharge to nullah complaints, and successful prosecutions against wastewater discharges (including discharges made to nullahs):
2005 2006 2007
(till Sep)
Wastewater discharge 1745 1734 1261
complaints
Illegal wastewater discharge 246 205 151
to nullah complaints
Successful prosecutions 40 21 22
against wastewater discharges
(b) Regarding the beautification works for the Yuen Long Nullah, a study is being conducted at the moment. The consultant responsible for the study will submit a report in the middle of 2008. The report will include various practicable options for improving and beautifying the Yuen Long Nullah, which will assist the Government in formulating improvement strategies. Upon completion of the improvement works of the Yuen Long Nullah, the Government will, based on the experience gained, formulate strategies for improvement of other nullahs that were constructed in the past.
Ends/Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:00
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