​In response to media report today (November 24) on the concrete batching plant (CBP) at 20 Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong continuing in operation on November 23 without holding a valid Specified Process Licence (SPL), the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said they will make every legal effort to stop any illegal operations.

     The EPD has been closely monitoring the operation of two CBPs of the China Concrete Co. Limited located at 20 and 22 Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong respectively.

CBP at 20 Tung Yuen Street

     The Air Pollution Control Appeal Board (the Appeal Board) dismissed an appeal lodged by the China Concrete Co. Limited against the refusal of its application for renewal of a SPL for the CBP at 20 Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong, by the EPD on November 22, 2023. The CBP's SPL will cease to be in force immediately according to the Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes) Regulations. The EPD has issued a letter to the CBP on the same day requesting it to cease the cement works (including concrete production) under the specified process immediately.

     The EPD officers entered the plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street for inspection and examined the relevant video of surveillance camera system yesterday (November 23). They did not find the CBP operating the relevant cement works (including concrete production) but concrete mixers were seen going into and out of another CBP at 22 Tung Yuen Street during the period. During the follow-up inspection today (November 24), CBP at 20 Tung Yuen Street was found resuming operation. The EPD has started collecting evidence and will conduct joint operation with relevant departments. The EPD has also sought advice from the Department of Justice on possibility on application to the Court for injunction in order to stop the illegal operation of the CBP.

CBP at 22 Tung Yuen Street

     Since the appeal lodged by the CBP at 22 Tung Yuen Street had been dismissed by the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board, the EPD has been taking stringent enforcement actions against the plant. Until November 2023, the EPD had initiated a total of 32 prosecution summonses against the plant for not complying air pollution abatement notices and operating without a valid licence. The cases are currently being handled by the court.  Meanwhile, the EPD has applied for an injunction, which is being scheduled for hearing by the Court, to cease relevant operation of the plant.
      
     Also, the EPD is working on the legislative amendments of the Air Pollution Control Ordinance to enhance enforcement power for closing illegal premises, so as to allow the department to handle similar cases more efficiently and effectively in the future. The amendments of the Ordinance are set to be introduced into the Legislative Council in the first quarter of next year.

Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 23:58

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