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Two non-registered contractors convicted for illegal removal of asbestos roofs
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     Two non-registered contractors, who illegally removed the asbestos roofs from a squatter structure in Fu Yung Shan Shan Tsuen in Tsuen Wan and at Zenith Mansion on Shan Kwong Road in Happy Valley, were convicted today (March 1) at Fanling Magistrates' Courts and on Monday (February 26) at Eastern Magistrates' Courts respectively, for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO). The two contractors were fined a total of $15,500.

     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that complaints were received last June and August from members of the public about the illegal removal of asbestos roofs in Tsuen Wan and Happy Valley. The department conducted blitz inspections and found that the asbestos removal works at both locations were not carried out in accordance with the requirements stipulated under the APCO, as no registered asbestos contractor was hired to conduct the removal works and the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of the works. After investigation and evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the two non-registered contractors under the APCO.
 
     The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days' written notice to the EPD of the commencement date of the asbestos abatement work is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000.
 
Ends/Thursday, March 1, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:00
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