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On Tat Building in Wong Tai Sin convicted for illegal wastewater discharge into storm drain
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     On Tat Building in Wong Tai Sin illegally discharged wastewater into a communal storm drain at the roadside and caused serious odour. The incorporated owner (IO) of the building was fined $8,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (February 8) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a complaint from a member of the public last June about the flooding of wastewater caused by a building on Ngan Fung Street. During inspection, an EPD enforcement officer found that wastewater from On Tat Building was discharged into the roadside communal storm drain via an additional drainpipe, causing serious odour and environmental nuisance.

     The EPD requested the building to take prompt measures to rectify the situation, but its follow-up inspection last August found that the problem persisted and wastewater was found running on the road. Upon evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the IO in accordance with the WPCO. The misconnection of the drainpipe was later rectified by the IO in December last year.

     The department reminded all IOs that they should ensure that the foul sewers of their buildings are properly connected to the public sewage system. They should also rectify the misconnection of wastewater pipes or leakage of wastewater as soon as possible.

     Under the WPCO, it is an offence for anyone to discharge wastewater into the communal storm drains. 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.
 
Ends/Thursday, February 8, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:42
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