Metal scrap recycling site at Tong Yan San Tsuen in Yuen Long raided by EPD for conducting specified processes without licence
******************************************************************************************
A spokesman for the EPD said that the department conducted a blitz operation in January in the vicinity of Tong Yan San Tsuen and raided a metal scrap recycling site that was not licensed while carrying out a specified process - molten aluminium recovery work - under the APCO. During the operation, it was found that there were multiple sets of moulds and four underground furnaces inside the plant structure. The trucks outside the structure were also loaded with finished metal strips (i.e. aluminium ingots) that had been packaged with multiple pallets. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD then instituted prosecution against the person-in-charge concerned in accordance with the APCO.
The spokesman for the EPD reminded the trade that a licence must be obtained before carrying out specified processes. The processes should also be conducted under strict compliance with licence conditions to avoid causing air pollution. The owner of any premises shall not use those premises, or permit those premises to be used, for the conduct of a specified process unless he or she is the holder of a licence to use the premises for the conduct of that specified process.
Under the APCO, any owner of premises who contravenes the requirements of a licence required to carry out specified processes on the premises commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months.
For more information on the industrial activities that involve certain polluting industrial processes classified as specified processes, please visit the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/application_for_licences/guidance/ia_321.html.
Ends/Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:05
Issued at HKT 19:05
NNNN