Olympian City 2 in Mong Kok discharged sub-standard wastewater into communal sewers and thereby violated the requirements of the wastewater discharge licence. The shopping mall was fined $20,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 10) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).
Environmental Protection Department (EPD) enforcement officers conducted an inspection at Olympian City 2 in Mong Kok last October and found that wastewater discharged by one of the grease traps at the shopping mall was relatively turbid, and it was suspected that wastewater was not properly treated before being discharged to communal sewers. EPD officers then collected wastewater samples for analysis and the results showed that the biochemical oxygen demand as well as the concentrations of oil and grease exceeded the upper limits of the wastewater discharge licence. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the property management company of the shopping mall in accordance with the WPCO.
A spokesperson for the EPD reminded all wastewater discharge licensees, including premises occupants and property management companies, that they should ensure proper operation of their wastewater treatment facilities and strictly adhere to the discharge standards as stipulated in the licence to prevent the discharge of sub-standard wastewater, which may lead to blockage of public sewers downstream, or adversely affect the normal operation of the Government's sewage treatment plants. EPD officers will conduct inspections and collect wastewater samples from relevant premises from time to time to combat illegal discharge.
Under the WPCO, anyone who discharges commercial or industrial wastewater into communal sewers and does not comply with the standard of the discharge licence commits an offence. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.
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