The contractor of a construction site at Repulse Bay in Southern District who illegally discharged wastewater into storm drains was fined $22,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (December 19) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department received a report from a member of the public in May this year that a construction site at Repulse Bay had discharged wastewater onto roads, leading to environmental pollution. The EPD's investigation found that wastewater from the construction site had been discharged into the nearby public storm drains at South Bay Road. EPD staff immediately took a wastewater sample for testing. The results indicated that the concentration of suspended solids exceeded the specified limit of the WPCO by 31 times, showing that the wastewater from the construction site had not been properly treated before discharge. The EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the contractor in accordance with the law.

     The spokesman said the illegal discharge took place near Repulse Bay Beach. The wastewater may have entered the beach area and affected the beach water quality. The spokesman reminded all construction contractors that they should provide proper wastewater treatment facilities and maintain their effective operation to ensure that discharged wastewater can meet the requirements specified in the WPCO to protect the environment.

     Under the WPCO, it is an offence for anyone to discharge wastewater into storm drains. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $400,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions. In addition, a daily fine of $10,000 may be imposed for a continuing offence.

Ends/Monday, December 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:00

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