Person-in-charge of pig farm at Fung Kat Heung in Yuen Long convicted for illegal discharge of livestock waste into Kam Tin River
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During an ambush inspection in Yuen Long last October, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff found that a large amount of greyish-black wastewater with the odour of pig waste was being discharged from the pond of a pig farm in Fung Kat Heung, which seriously polluted Kam Tin River downstream. The analysis results of the wastewater sample taken by the EPD showed that the concentration of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids in the sample exceeded the discharge standard by 1.7 and 8.2 times respectively. After gathering sufficient evidence, the EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the person-in-charge of the pig farm in accordance with the Regulations and notified the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the case concerned.
An EPD spokesman said that untreated livestock waste contains high concentrations of excreta and will lead to serious pollution and odour problems if discharged into rivers. According to the Regulations, liquid livestock waste generated by livestock farms must be treated properly in a wastewater treatment facility to meet the statutory requirements 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 and not to discharge untreated livestock waste into nearby watercourses. The department will continue to conduct surprise inspections to combat any 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, April 17, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:35
Issued at HKT 17:35
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