The main contractor and a sub-contractor were found illegally using powered mechanical equipment at the construction site for a Hong Kong Housing Society public housing development at Shun Hing Street in Sha Tau Kok. Both contractors were convicted and fined $40,000 and $20,000 respectively at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts today (November 17) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).
 
     In mid-May last year, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a public complaint reporting that construction works were being carried out at night at the construction site for a public housing development at Shun Hing Street in Sha Tau Kok. EPD staff hence conducted a surprise check at the site, and found workers using a tower crane for construction work after 7pm without a valid construction noise permit. The EPD subsequently initiated prosecutions against the main contractor and the sub-contractor under the NCO.
 
     A spokesman for the EPD reminded that, according to the NCO, unless the contractor has obtained a valid construction noise permit, no powered mechanical equipment for any construction works shall be used between 7pm and 7am on next day of weekdays, or anytime during a general holiday including Sunday. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 on first conviction, and $200,000 on second or subsequent conviction. A daily fine of $20,000 can also be imposed for a continuous offence.

Ends/Friday, November 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:42

NNNN