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Construction contractor fined for carrying out building demolition work in Shek O without appropriate dust control measures

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The contractor of a construction site in Shek O, Southern District, who failed to adopt appropriate measures to reduce dust emission during building demolition work was convicted and fined $28,500 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (October 30) for contravening the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation.

A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that during an inspection in the vicinity of Shek O this March, EPD staff discovered that a village house was undergoing demolition work on its rooftop and the second floor, and the side of the house facing the road was not covered with dust screens or sheeting. When handling debris, site workers failed to spray water to keep dusty materials wet, causing dust emission. The contractor also failed to notify the EPD prior to the commencement of the demolition work. The EPD subsequently collected evidence and initiated prosecution against the contractor under the Regulation.

The spokesman added that building demolition is classified as a notifiable work under the Regulation. Contractors are required to notify the EPD prior to the commencement of such work. They must also take appropriate measures in accordance with the Regulation's requirements to prevent dust emission causing impacts on the environment and the public. Such measures include covering the building with impervious dust screens, spraying water on surfaces of the work site and covering dusty materials with impervious dust sheeting. Relevant details are available at the EPD's website (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/files/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/guide_ref/files/construction_dust.pdf).

According to the Regulation, those who carry out notifiable work without giving prior notice to the EPD are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 upon first conviction, and $50,000 on second or subsequent conviction. Anyone who fails to adopt dust reduction measures as stipulated in the Regulation is liable to a fine of $50,000 on first conviction. A maximum fine of $100,000 and three months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent conviction.

Ends/Monday, October 30, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:27

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