​Thai Chiu, a Thai restaurant on Fan Kam Road in Pat Heung, Yuen Long, discharged untreated wastewater into a nearby river and was fined $58,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (June 26) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).
　
A blitz inspection was carried out by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff after receiving a complaint from a member of the public last December. It was found that untreated wastewater was discharged by the restaurant into the nearby river. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the operator of the restaurant, Thai Chiu (Global) Catering Management Company Limited, in accordance with the WPCO.
　
The EPD spokesman said that the location concerned is an unsewered area. Anyone who directly discharges untreated wastewater will pollute nearby waterways and adversely affect public hygiene. The spokesman reminded the responsible persons of restaurants that they must install wastewater treatment facilities to properly treat wastewater before its discharge to avoid causing environmental pollution.
Under the WPCO, anyone who discharges wastewater into a river commits an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $400,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
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