Pig farm owner in Yuen Long convicted for illegal discharge of livestock waste into watercourse
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During a surprise inspection in Yuen Long last August, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff found that a large amount of brownish wastewater with foam forming on the surface and the odour of pig waste was being discharged via the pipes of a pig farm at Ma On Kong in Pat Heung, which seriously polluted the downstream section of the Kam Tin River. After taking wastewater samples for analysis and gathering sufficient evidence, the EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the pig farm owner for violating the Regulations by discharging liquid livestock waste into the nearby watercourse.
An EPD spokesman said, "Untreated livestock waste contains high concentrations of excreta. Its discharge into rivers will lead to serious pollution and odour problems. According to the Regulations, liquid livestock waste generated by livestock farms must be treated properly to meet the statutory requirements before being discharged. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a daily fine of $5,000 for a continuing offence.
The spokesman reminded owners and staff members of livestock farms in the New Territories to properly operate treatment facilities for wastewater generated from livestock waste, properly dispose of such waste in accordance with the law and make good use of the free solid livestock waste collection service provided by the EPD. The department will continue to conduct surprise inspections to combat irregularities of livestock farms.
More information about the livestock waste control scheme is available on the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/laws_regulations/enforcement/lwis.html.
Ends/Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:10
Issued at HKT 17:10
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