Yuen Long chicken farm owner convicted for discharging livestock waste into river
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During a blitz operation in Yuen Long in July last year, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) officers found that a chicken farm at Ng Ka Tsuen in Kam Tin discharged liquid livestock waste into a nearby watercourse, seriously affecting the water quality of the Kam Tin River downstream. The EPD gathered evidence after investigation and subsequently prosecuted the farm owner involved under the Regulations.
An EPD spokesman said, "Improperly treated livestock waste contains high concentrations of excreta. Its discharge into rivers will lead to serious pollution and odour problems." According to the Regulations, liquid livestock waste generated by livestock farms must be treated properly to meet the statutory standards before being discharged. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a daily fine of $5,000 for a continuing offence.
The spokesman reminded owners and staff members of livestock farms in the New Territories to properly operate treatment facilities for wastewater generated from livestock waste, properly dispose of such waste in accordance with the law and make good use of the free solid livestock waste collection service provided by the EPD. The department will continue to conduct surprise inspections to combat irregularities of livestock farms.
More information about the livestock waste control scheme is available on the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/laws_regulations/enforcement/lwis.html.
Ends/Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:20
Issued at HKT 19:20
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