Delivery vessel convicted for dispersing fine dust when unloading cement
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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received complaints last year that a delivery vessel generated large amount of fine dust when unloading cement at sea. The EPD and Marine Department officers carried out a joint operation in the northwestern waters off Lamma Island on August 1 last year and issued an air pollution abatement notice (APAN) to the coxswain of the vessel concerned, requiring him to prevent dispersion of fine dust when unloading cement by using a totally enclosed conveyance system. Upon subsequent onboard inspection on August 18 last year, EPD enforcement officers found that the vessel did not comply with the APAN requirements and hence initiated prosecution against the coxswain in accordance with the APCO after evidence collection.
An EPD spokesman said that vessels should take various effective dust control measures, such as installing appropriate dust control equipment, during loading and unloading of dusty materials, so as to avoid causing air pollution. According to the APCO, anyone who fails to comply with the requirements as stipulated in an APAN commits an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
Ends/Monday, March 19, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:08
Issued at HKT 19:08
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