Lard boiling factory convicted for causing odour and air pollution
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     A lard boiling factory in Yuen Long, which emitted odour and violated the specified process licence conditions, was convicted on five counts of offences under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) and fined $35,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 22).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a report from a member of the public this April that odour was emitted by a lard boiling factory at Fung Kat Heung in Yuen Long. EPD staff found during an inspection that the factory did not adopt effective pollution control measures in lard production. It was found that the impervious plastic curtains and windows were left open, and an air blower was being used to blow the malodour out of the factory, causing nuisance to the nearby residents. Upon investigation and evidence gathering, the factory was suspected to have contravened the conditions of the specified process licence. The department subsequently initiated prosecution against the factory in accordance with the APCO.

     An EPD spokesman said that lard production will generate odour and is thus covered by the strict control of the specified process licence under the APCO. The spokesman reminded relevant licence holders that they should apply the best practicable means to prevent causing air pollution and strictly adhere to all licence conditions.

     According to the APCO, it is an offence if anyone fails to observe the specified process licence conditions. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. Upon second or subsequent conviction, a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed.

Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:25

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