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Two non-registered contractors convicted for illegal demolition of asbestos building structures
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     ​Works contractor Tai Ping Decoration Company and the owner of another works contractor, which illegally demolished the asbestos roof of a rooftop structure at Fu Shing House on Fu Yan Street in Kwun Tung and the asbestos canopy at the entrance of Dawn Garden's lobby at Ho Man Tin Hill Road, were convicted today (April 12) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts and on March 29 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts respectively for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO). The two contractors were fined a total of $12,000.

     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that complaints were received last July and September from members of the public about the illegal demolition of asbestos building structures by works contractors in buildings at Ho Man Tin Hill Road and Fu Yan Street in Kwun Tung. The department conducted blitz inspections and found that the asbestos removal works at both locations were not carried out in accordance with the requirements stipulated under the APCO, as no registered asbestos contractor was hired to conduct the removal works and the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of the works. After evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecutions against the two non-registered contractors under the APCO.

     The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days' written notice to the EPD of the commencement date of the asbestos abatement work is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000.
 
Ends/Thursday, April 12, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:05
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