Sheung Wan hotel construction site contractor convicted for illegal discharge
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An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that the department received a referral from the Drainage Services Department last June that a hotel construction site located at New Market Street in Sheung Wan had discharged wastewater generated from the cleaning of concrete pump truck into the nearby communal storm drain, causing environmental pollution. Following investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD confirmed that the contractor involved had violated the WPCO and thus prosecuted the company.
The spokesman said that wastewater generated from construction sites is regulated under the WPCO. He reminded all construction site contractors to install suitable wastewater treatment facilities to properly collect and treat wastewater, to ensure that all the discharge complies with the WPCO requirements to protect the environment.
Under the WPCO, it is an offence for anyone to discharge wastewater into storm drains. 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. In addition, a daily fine of $10,000 may be imposed for a continuing offence.
Ends/Monday, January 22, 2018
Issued at HKT 14:45
Issued at HKT 14:45
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