Contractor of cycle track in Yuen Long fined for breaching conditions of environmental permit
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A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said in November last year that the department received a complaint from a member of the public about a construction site of a cycle track on Pok Wai South Road, Yuen Long adversely affecting the neighbourhood. EPD officers then conducted an investigation and discovered that construction work was being carried out outside the permitted area as stipulated in the relevant environmental permit, adversely affecting a nature conservation area nearby. After collecting evidence, the EPD prosecuted the two companies that owned the contractor under the EIA Ordinance.
The spokesman reminded all practitioners of the construction sector that they must carry out construction works in accordance with the existing environmental protection laws with a view to avoiding causing nuisances to residents nearby. In addition, before carrying out the designated projects under the EIA Ordinance, construction contractors must obtain an environmental permit and strictly comply with the conditions of such an environmental permit during their projects. Under the EIA Ordinance, it is unlawful to breach the conditions of an environmental permit. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $2,000,000 and six months' imprisonment on first conviction. A maximum fine of $5,000,000 and two years' imprisonment may be imposed on a subsequent conviction.
Ends/Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:46
Issued at HKT 17:46
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