Construction site manager convicted and fined for illegal dumping of construction waste at Tsim Bei Tsui mangroves, Deep Bay
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The responsible person of the construction site was convicted of violation of the WDO on September 6 for illegal dumping at government land. The magistrate directed the clearance of construction waste, such as leftover asphalt, on the government land concerned within a month. The person-in-charge has already cleaned up the construction waste.
Earlier, the transportation contractor and the lorry driver involved in the same case were each fined $15,000 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts on August 3 for contravening the WDO.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the Tsim Bei Tsui mangroves area, located at the wetland in Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay, is largely zoned as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). In December last year, a lorry was seen carrying construction waste to Tsim Bei Tsui. EPD enforcement officers discovered government land there with mangroves over 3 metres tall had been excavated and covered with soil fill, while unauthorised site formation works were also spotted. The affected area measures about 1 hectare.
According to the EIAO, it is an offence to conduct land filling and site formation works at an SSSI without an environmental permit issued by the EPD. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and six months' imprisonment. According to the WDO, any person who disposes of waste at government land illegally is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment on first conviction.
The spokesman reminded contractors and responsible people of works projects, as well as members of the transportation sector, to take all proper precautions and exercise due diligence to dispose of construction waste in accordance with laws. Relevant legislation of Hong Kong, including the EIAO and the Town Planning Ordinance, must also be observed when performing works such as site formation. The EPD will continue to collaborate with relevant government departments to take stringent action against all activities involving illegal dumping of waste and unauthorised works.
Ends/Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:18
Issued at HKT 15:18
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