Tuen Mun asphalt plant and building materials company convicted and fined for carrying out specified processes illegally
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A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during a blitz operation in March this year, officers found that the cement storehouse of a building materials company at Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal did not have a specified process licence under the APCO. During another surprise check in April, officers found that an asphalt plant in Lung Kwu Sheung Tan stored bituminous materials in an open area and generated dust. The plant also failed to submit to the EPD the chimney monitoring report as required by the specified process licence. The EPD initiated prosecutions against the building materials company and the asphalt plant upon completion of evidence collection.
Cement handling plants and asphalt plants are classified as specified processes under the APCO. They are required to obtain a licence from the EPD and should comply with relevant emission control requirements. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. If licence holders fail to observe licence conditions, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. Upon second or subsequent convictions, a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed.
The spokesman 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.
Ends/Friday, December 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:30
Issued at HKT 12:30
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