The main contractor of a commercial development construction site in Wong Chuk Hang, Chinney Builders Company Limited, illegally discharged wastewater into the Wong Chuk Hang Nullah and polluted its water. The company was convicted and fined $8,000 by Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (October 14) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during a complaint investigation into wastewater discharge from a commercial development construction site on Heung Yip Road in Wong Chuk Hang in March this year, enforcement officers found that milky wastewater was being discharged from the site into the Wong Chuk Hang Nullah. The EPD then collected wastewater samples for analysis, and the result showed that the concentration of chemical oxygen demand in the samples exceeded the upper limit of the relevant wastewater discharge licence by eight times. The department subsequently prosecuted the main contractor of the construction site, Chinney Builders Company Limited, in accordance with the WPCO.

     The spokesman reminded all construction contractors that discharging wastewater without proper treatment will cause sewer blockage and environmental pollution. All construction contractors must provide suitable wastewater treatment facilities and maintain their effective operation to ensure that discharges can meet the requirements specified in a licence to protect the environment.

     According to the WPCO, anyone who discharges wastewater which exceeds the limits of a wastewater discharge licence commits an offence. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.

Ends/Monday, October 14, 2019
Issued at HKT 12:31

NNNN