Enforcement Actions on Livestock Waste Disposal
EPD officers conducted inspections to monitor compliance with the law and investigate the related pollution complaints. We will monitor the quality of livestock waste discharge and the operation of livestock waste treatment facilities. Should sign of illegal discharge be noted in the farm vicinity, we will approach the livestock farm owners and carry out inspections to their wastewater treatment facilities and urge them to rectify and improve the situations. Where applicable, warning letters demanding for the farm owner's immediate action(s), would be issued if the pollution problems were mainly due to improper operation / inadequate maintenance of the treatment facilities. Enforcement actions, including ambush operations, will be arranged or stepped up as appropriate and prosecution will be initiated for illegal discharge accordingly.
Number of Prosecutions and Total Fines (HK$) for Livestock Waste
| Year | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of prosecutions | 1 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 3 | 14 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Total fines (HK$) | 3,000 | 73,000 | 38,000 | 78,000 | 40,000 | 83,500 | 30,000 | 26,000 | 5,000 | 57,000 | 43,000 |
In addition to the prosecution actions against the livestock farmers on illegal discharge, EPD has been working in close collaboration with Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to promote self-discipline among farmers and to raise their awareness of environmental protection. During EPD’s inspection visits and joint operation with AFCD, livestock farm operators and livestock keepers are also encouraged to improve the hygiene of farms and minimize their environmental nuisances to the surrounding areas.
