Two construction companies heavily fined $200,000 for illegally causing heavily contaminated sediment leaking into sea
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A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during a surprise sea inspection on May 4 last year, EPD staff witnessed the dumping of contaminated sediment packed in bags from the barge by contractors with permit. It was suspected that contaminated sediment was leaked out into the sea and turned the colour of seawater to dark grey. Upon investigation, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the two construction companies for contravening the DASO.
The spokesman said that in order to impose strict control on marine dumping activities, the permit issued under the DASO clearly sets out the dumping method statement and conditions, and requires the permit holder to contain and pack heavily contaminated sediment in geosynthetic containers upon disposal to ensure the sediment will not be leaked out and pollute the marine environment.
The spokesman reminded those in charge of works that marine dumping activities must comply strictly with the conditions set out in the DASO Permit. They should ensure that the geosynthetic containers with heavily contaminated dredged sediment should not be broken, the hoper barge should not have sharp edges or corners that could break the goesynthetic containers, place PVC spheres inside the geosynthetic containers as leakage indicator, carry out environmental monitoring before and after dumping, properly dispose of dredged sediment to prevent polluting the sea. Besides conducting sea and land surprise inspections, the EPD also conduct air patrol by helicopter and put in place a real-time tracking and monitoring system to combat illegal marine dumping activities.
According to the DASO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
Members of the public may visit the EPD's website for detailed information about the control of marine dumping: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/daso_gr.html.
Ends/Friday, August 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:07
Issued at HKT 20:07
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