Hong Kong School of Motoring convicted for discharging substandard wastewater
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During a routine inspection at the road safety centre last July, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff found that the turbid wastewater discharged by the centre was not properly treated before being discharged into the Shing Mun River, thus causing water pollution. Wastewater samples were taken by the EPD for analysis and the results showed that the concentration of suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand all exceeded the standards in the licence issued under the WPCO. Upon evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the licensee in accordance with the WPCO.
The EPD has all along been committed to protecting the water quality of the Shing Mun River. Inspections and water quality monitoring are conducted regularly in order to detect the pollution source as soon as possible and stop wastewater from entering the river. An EPD spokesman reminded all licensees concerned, including occupants of premises and property management companies, that they should ensure proper operation of their wastewater treatment facilities and strictly adhere to the discharge standards as stipulated in the licence to protect water bodies.
Under the WPCO, anyone who discharges wastewater which exceeds the standard of the discharge licence into the communal drainage system commits an offence. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
Ends/Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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