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Acting on complaints concerning fly nuisance in Ha Pak Nai, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had conducted a joint investigation and proposed measures to control the problem.
After a series of site visits to the vicinity, it was concluded that the fly problem at Ha Pak Nai was not related to the operation of the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill in Nim Wan, a Government spokesman said today (April 24).
"We believe that the problem is contributed by a number of fly breeding places about 500 meters around the community hall of Ha Pak Nai. These include neighbouring fields and orchards that have been fertilised with fresh chicken manure and other organic matter, " he said.
To control the problem, AFCD were working with farmers and had issued guidelines to farmers on proper use of composted chicken manure in crop production, the spokesman said.
"Application of fresh manure is not recommended by AFCD and crop farmers in the village have been reminded to follow the guidelines, " he added.
To prevent the WENT Landfill from becoming a breeding ground for flies and creating odour nuisance, the spokesman said that EPD would continue to monitor closely the landfill operation to ensure that the most stringent environmental standards and contractual requirements were met.
He added that EPD would continue to conduct site inspections at least three times a day and that the inspections covered the landfill and areas in the vicinity, including Ha Pak Nai village.
"If flies or odour nuisance are detected, EPD will require the contractor to take immediate action to eliminate the nuisance," he added.
A total of 139 on-site monitoring points, including two at Ha Pak Nai village, were set up for monitoring the environmental quality at the landfill and nearby areas, he said.
A hotline (tel : 2472 4386) was also set up for the public, including villagers from Ha Pak Nai, to report any nuisance suspected to be related to the WENT Landfill for EPD to take immediate follow-up actions, he added.
As a regular measure to control pollution problems, EPD and AFCD enforcement staff conduct regular inspections of the livestock farms in the Ha Pak Nai village to ensure that the livestock farmers undertake proper on-site treatment and disposal of livestock waste produced in their farms.
In addition, EPD provides free service to the livestock farmers for collecting the livestock waste for proper treatment and disposal at government's waste management facilities.
"AFCD will continue to monitor these farms closely for fly breeding and provide advice on fly control," he said.
FEHD will continue to monitor the fly situation at Ha Pak Nai by inspecting the public areas on alternate days and to carry out fly disinfestations work for knocking down the adult flies whenever necessary.
End/Tuesday, April 24, 2001
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