Man convicted and fined for filling and illegal dumping at conservation area of Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan (with photo)

     A man who conducted illegal earthwork activities and dumping of construction waste at the conservation area of Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan in Tai Sang Wai, Yuen Long, which is a government land, was fined a total of $28,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 15) for contravening the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) and the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
      
     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that the department received a report last October from a member of the public about illegal pond-filling activities at the conservation area in Tai Sang Wai, Yuen Long. EPD officers conducted a blitz inspection and intercepted a truck which was dumping rubble and debris at the above site, while an excavator was also conducting levelling works by pushing the rubble and debris at the fish pond area. These activities were suspected to have violated the WDO and the EIAO. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the person who was intercepted on-site.
      
     The spokesman said that the area concerned belongs to a conservation area under the Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan, which aims to preserve the ecological value and functions of existing fish ponds in the area. According to the EIAO, it is an offence to conduct earthworks at a conservation area without an environmental permit issued by the EPD. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and six months' imprisonment. According to the WDO, any person who deposits waste on government land illegally is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment on first conviction.