A construction contractor, who failed to properly treat the wastewater generated by the construction site before its discharge, was fined $15,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (November 21) 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 April that a construction site at Connaught Road West and New Market Street, Sheung Wan was involved in the illegal discharge of wastewater, causing blockages to drains and environmental pollution in the area. With the information provided by the member of the public, the EPD's investigation found that wastewater was being discharged without proper treatment from the construction site into the nearby stormwater drains.
 
     The construction site concerned had obtained the WPCO licence issued by the EPD. The wastewater generated from the construction site must be treated properly to meet the specified requirements before being discharged into stormwater drains. The wastewater samples taken by the EPD showed that the concentration of suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand had exceeded the permitted level by 199 times and two times respectively, indicating that the wastewater had not been properly treated. Subsequently, the EPD initiated prosecution against the contractor of the construction site.
 
     Under the Water Pollution Control (General) Regulations, a person who contravened any provision of the licence issued under the WPCO is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
 
     The spokesman said the discharge of wastewater without proper treatment will cause sewer blockage and environmental pollution. All construction contractors must provide proper wastewater treatment facilities and maintain its effective operation to ensure that the discharged wastewater can meet the requirements specified in the WPCO licence to protect the environment.

Ends/Monday, November 21, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:50

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