Two contractors of MTR Shatin to Central Link Kai Tak Station construction site convicted and fined a total of $180,000 for illegal discharge of wastewater
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     Two contractors of the MTR Shatin to Central Link Kai Tak Station construction site who illegally discharged wastewater into Kai Tak River were fined $90,000 each by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 10) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that a complaint was received from the public in August last year about muddy water found in Kai Tak River, which was causing environmental pollution. Upon investigation, the EPD found that the wastewater was discharged from the MTR Shatin to Central Link Kai Tak Station construction site into the nearby Kai Tak River via a catchpit. EPD staff immediately took a wastewater sample for analysis and the result confirmed that the concentration of suspended solids exceeded the statutory limit by 70 times. The result showed that the wastewater discharged from the construction site was not properly treated and the EPD subsequently prosecuted the two contractors according to the law.

     The spokesman said that as the illegal discharge point was near Kai Tak River, wastewater entered Victoria Harbour via the river and adversely affected its water quality. He reminded all construction contractors that they should ensure the proper operation of the drainage system to avoid muddy water overflowing at construction sites. They should also install proper wastewater treatment facilities and maintain their effective operation to ensure that the discharge meets the statutory limits of the WPCO in order to protect the environment.

     Under the WPCO, it is an offence for anyone to discharge polluted water into the communal drainage system. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $400,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions, and a daily fine of $10,000 may be imposed for a continuing offence.

Ends/Friday, November 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:10

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