â€‹Yuen Long food premises Pao Dim Tat Yan at Yuen Long New Street discharged sub-standard wastewater into a communal storm drain and was fined $30,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (August 28) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).
      
     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) officers conducted a blitz inspection in Yuen Long in January and found that sub-standard wastewater was being discharged by the food premises concerned into a communal storm drain at the rear lane, thus polluting nearby drainage channels. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the operator of the restaurant in accordance with the WPCO.
      
     The EPD spokesman said that anyone who directly discharges untreated wastewater into storm drains will pollute the environment and adversely affect public hygiene. The spokesman reminded the responsible persons of food premises that they should ensure proper operation of their wastewater treatment facilities and properly treat wastewater before its discharge to avoid causing environmental pollution.
      
     Under the WPCO, anyone who discharges wastewater into storm drains 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.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 is 103.7 (down 0.2 against yesterday's index).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     Rents for 1 753 flats, tentatively scheduled for completion between August and December 2018, in four non-standard blocks at three Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) public rental housing (PRH) estates will be set at the best rent levels in their respective districts.
 
     The best rent for flats in the Urban District will be adjusted in September to $85.50 per square metre per month. This rate will apply to 518 flats in one block in Yau Lai Estate in Kwun Tong (Eastern Harbour Crossing Site, Phase 7) and 487 flats in two blocks in Shek Kip Mei Estate in Sham Shui Po (Shek Kip Mei, Phases 3 and 7).
 
     The best rent at $82.70 per square metre per month for flats in Sha Tin District after adjustment in September will apply to 748 flats in one block in Shek Mun Estate (Shek Mun, Phase 2).
 
     "Under this rent-fixing exercise, over 46 per cent of the flats are set at a rent level below $2,500 per month," a spokesman for the HA said today (August 28), adding that PRH rents, which are inclusive of rates, management fees and maintenance costs, are heavily subsidised.
 
     "PRH applicants who are allocated new flats but cannot afford the rents may request refurbished flats at lower rents, and they may also apply for assistance under the Rent Assistance Scheme for flats in older block types where applicable," the spokesman added.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Hong Kong Monetary Authority Exchange Fund Bills Tender Results:
 

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     Hong Kong Monetary Authority Tenders to be held in the week beginning September 3 :
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 28) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.