ASB Biodiesel convicted for illegal wastewater discharge
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     ASB Biodiesel in Tseung Kwan O, which illegally discharged wastewater into the communal storm drainage system, was fined $10,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (December 7) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).
 
     During an inspection of the biodiesel plant this May, staff of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) found that wastewater was discharged from the plant into the communal storm drainage system. It was suspected that the wastewater from the plant might not have been properly collected for treatment and part of the wastewater was discharged through the storm drain. EPD staff took wastewater samples for analysis and the results showed that the concentration of oil and grease, suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand were 220 milligrams, 3 100mg and 6 000mg per litre respectively, far exceeding the standards in the license issued under the WPCO. The levels of suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand had significantly exceeded the standards by 62 times and 60 times respectively. Upon evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the plant in accordance with the WPCO.

     Under the WPCO, it is an offence for a licensee to discharge wastewater which exceeds the standard of the discharge licence into the communal drainage system. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. To protect the environment, the spokesman reminded the trade that they should properly collect and treat wastewater before discharge.

Ends/Thursday, December 7, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:15

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