A restaurant at Yau Tong Centre in Kwun Tong illegally discharged wastewater into the communal storm drainage system and was fined $20,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (August 24) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     During a blitz inspection in January this year, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff found that the restaurant’s underground grease trap overflowed and caused greasy wastewater discharged from the ground to the communal storm drainage system. EPD staff took wastewater samples for analysis and the results showed that the concentration of oil and grease exceeded the permitted standard. The EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the operating company of the restaurant in accordance with the WPCO. The restaurant later arranged a cleanup of the grease trap and repaired its sewage pipe to avoid the overflowing of wastewater again.

     An EPD spokesman said that wastewater from restaurants contains oil and grease in general. They should install properly designed grease trap to remove the oil and grease of wastewater. They should also clean the grease trap regularly and maintain its effective operation to avoid the overflow of wastewater discharge into river channel or the sea via the communal storm drainage system and pollute the environment.

     Under the WPCO, it is an offence for anyone to discharge wastewater into the communal drainage system or water body. 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.

Ends/Thursday, August 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:24

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