Successful prosecution against shipping company that illegally dumped substances into sea by EPD following public report
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An EPD spokesperson said the department received a report in October last year from a member of the public who witnessed someone on a vessel docked near Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier at Yau Tong in Kowloon repeatedly shovelling substances into the sea. That member of the public also provided the EPD with a video recorded on a mobile phone for the department's follow-up. After investigation, the EPD found that on the day of the incident the vessel of Join Art Investment Limited carried out maintenance and cleaning at that location, and its staff dumped substances into the sea. The department hence instituted prosecution against the company concerned in accordance with the DASO.
It is an offence for anyone to illegally dump substances or waste at sea and such illegal activity will pollute the marine environment. The spokesman reminded those responsible for marine works and marine transportation that they must properly dispose of all dismantled materials and waste generated from works. They must also properly train and manage their staff, so that they will not dump substances or waste at sea and contravene the law. According to the DASO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
The spokesman urged members of the public to make a report to the EPD if they witness any person suspected of dumping waste from a vessel.
More information about the control of marine dumping is available on the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/daso_gr.html.
Ends/Thursday, April 18, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:16
Issued at HKT 15:16
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