Pig farm at Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen in Yuen Long convicted fourth time for discharging livestock waste into river

     A pig farm at Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen in Yuen Long discharged untreated livestock waste into a nearby watercourse and its person-in-charge was fined $10,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 15) for contravening the Waste Disposal (Livestock Waste) Regulations. This is the fourth conviction of the pig farm concerned for discharging livestock waste into a nearby watercourse.

     During an ambush inspection in Yuen Long last November, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff found that some greyish-brown wastewater with the odour of pig waste was being discharged from the outfall of a pig farm in Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen, which seriously polluted Shan Pui River. The analysis results of the wastewater sample taken by the EPD showed that the concentration of five-day biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids in the sample exceeded the discharge standard by 26 and 20 times respectively. After gathering sufficient evidence, the EPD subsequently initiated prosecution against the person-in-charge of the pig farm in accordance with the Regulations and notified the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the case concerned.

     An EPD spokesman said that untreated livestock waste contains high concentrations of excreta and will lead to serious pollution and odour problems if discharged into rivers. According to the Regulations, liquid livestock waste generated by livestock farms must be treated properly in a wastewater treatment facility to meet the statutory requirements before being discharged. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a daily fine of $5,000 for a continuing offence.

     The spokesman reminded owners and staff members of livestock farms in the New Territories to properly maintain and operate treatment facilities for wastewater generated from livestock waste and not to discharge untreated livestock waste into nearby watercourses. The department will continue to conduct surprise inspections to combat any irregularities of livestock farms.

     More information about the livestock waste control scheme is available on the EPD's website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/laws_regulations/enforcement/lwis.html.