EPD takes stringent enforcement action against operation of concrete batching plant
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The EPD issued a letter on January 28 to remind the China Concrete Co. Limited that according to the Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes) Regulations, the concerned licence ceased to be in force after the appeal was dismissed, and it was required to remove all cementitious materials in the plant within 60 days. The plant must cease the operation of the relevant specified process in the meantime, otherwise it constitutes an offence. The CBP had removed all cementitious materials inside the silo of the plant within the time period allowed by the EPD.
The EPD has been closely monitoring the CBP and found during inspections that the CBP continued to conduct operations suspected to involve the specified process upon cessation of the licence. The department has initiated prosecution against one of the offences, and is further collecting evidence for enforcement action regarding other suspected offences.
The EPD is highly concerned about the continued operations involving the specified process by the China Concrete Co. Limited upon the cessation of the relevant licence. To rigorously combat related illegal operations of different aspects, the EPD will inform relevant government departments of the situation. The EPD is also preparing to apply to the Court for an injunction order, requiring the CBP to stop any operation of the specified process involving cement works immediately.
In addition, to further prevent the CBP from continuously carrying out cement works causing or contributing to air pollution, the EPD issued a statutory Air Pollution Abatement Notice to the CBP on February 17 in accordance with the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, requiring the CBP to immediately stop all the operations involving cement works. The CBP has lodged an appeal against the Air Pollution Abatement Notice to the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board, which is considering whether to accept the appeal application.
Ends/Monday, April 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:00
Issued at HKT 19:00
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