The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following announcement today (November 8): Four patients (three male … read more
The landowner of Shaw Studio in Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay Land Company Limited, failed to carry out sewer connection works for discharging sewage from its two sites into public sewers in accordance with the law and was convicted by Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (November 8) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO). The landowner was fined $30,000 plus a total daily fine of $33,100, which sum up to a grand total of $63,100.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) issued statutory notices to the registered owner of the above-mentioned sites in accordance with the Water Pollution Control (Sewerage) Regulation in April last year, requiring the landowner to carry out all necessary sewer connection works for discharging the sewage from the two sites into public sewers before April this year. The landowner did not commence the works by the specified deadline. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD prosecuted the landowner in accordance with the Water Pollution Control (Sewerage) Regulation. As the above violation continues, the EPD has made an application to the court for imposing an additional daily fine. The Shaw Studio in Sai Kung is currently arranging the tender exercise for sewer connection works and they must complete the works as soon as possible.
A spokesman for the EPD said that the Government is gradually expanding the sewerage network to collect sewage from rural areas to government sewage treatment facilities for proper treatment and discharge. It serves to reduce the use of septic tank systems to treat sewage in rural areas and the adverse impact on the inland rivers and inshore waters, so as to improve the water quality. The spokesman reminded property owners or landowners in rural areas that after receiving the statutory notice on sewer connection, they must comply with the specified requirements and complete the connection works within the specified date.
Pursuant to the Water Pollution Control (Sewerage) Regulation, anyone who fails to comply with the statutory notice is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A further fine of $5,000 per day will be imposed if the offence continues. read more
The West Kowloon Mediation Centre (WKMC) had its opening today (November 8) with a Pilot Mediation Scheme launched at the same time. The significant project marks the Government’s commitment to promote the use of mediation and to enhance public awareness of its benefits.
The WKMC is a unique facility dedicated to mediation. It is located adjacent to the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, which houses the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT). The Pilot Mediation Scheme will be operated at the WKMC by the Joint Mediation Helpline Office (JMHO), an independent co-ordinator appointed by the Government. Jointly founded by eight professional organisations, the JMHO is a non-profit making, charitable institution in Hong Kong.
Under the Pilot Mediation Scheme, mediation services will be provided to litigants of SCT cases that are suitable for mediation and other suitable cases. Parties to suitable cases will be required to pay a nominal, all-inclusive application fee of $200 each.
As the independent co-ordinator, the JMHO will be responsible for matching cases with suitable mediators on the WKMC panel of mediators, and for providing all necessary administrative, logistical and other support to the parties.
Officiating at the opening of the WKMC were the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; the Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, Mr Justice Johnson Lam; and the Chairman of the JMHO, Mr Antony Man. The swift implementation of the Pilot Mediation Scheme is an important milestone in encouraging the more extensive use of mediation in Hong Kong to resolve disputes. It also shows the Government’s determination to promote the use of mediation as a time- and cost-effective alternative to litigation in resolving disputes. Implementation of the scheme will be subject to review on a regular basis. read more
The owner of Australia Motor Service at Li Tak Street in Tai Kok Tsui illegally handled spent lubricating oil and was fined $19,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (November 8) for contravening the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) conducted a blitz inspection in May. It was found that after replacing lubricating oil for its customers, the vehicle maintenance workshop concerned arbitrarily placed the spent lubricating oil, which is classified as chemical waste, inside the garage. The spent lubricating oil was not properly labelled or stored in a leakproof device. After the EPD’s investigation, it was confirmed that the owner of the vehicle maintenance workshop did not register with the department as a chemical waste producer. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the owner concerned for contravening the Regulation.
An EPD spokesman explained that spent lubricating oil generated by vehicle maintenance workshops is classified as chemical waste and contains various toxic chemicals. Improper handling of such waste will cause the spent lubricating oil to leak into nearby drains and soil, which pollutes the environment and causes harm to public health.
The spokesman reminded all garage operators and workers engaged in the vehicle repair business that they should register as chemical waste producers with the EPD in accordance with the above Regulation. Chemical waste must be properly packaged, labelled and stored, and has to be collected by licensed chemical waste collectors for delivery to licensed chemical waste disposal facilities for treatment. In addition, for replacement of lubricating oil or batteries, vehicle owners should engage the services of vehicle repair garages or companies that have registered with the EPD.
Under the Regulation, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
Members of the public may visit the EPD’s website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html. read more
The Department of Health (DH) today (November 8) endorsed a licensed drug wholesaler, Hitpharm Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, to recall all batches of Ipufen Tablet 200mg (registration number: HK-64033) from the market due to a quality issue.
During the DH’s market surveillance, samples of the above pharmaceutical product were collected for analysis. Testing results from the Government Laboratory showed that the samples failed the disintegration test, which might affect the efficacy of the product.
Hitpharm thus voluntarily recalled the product from the market and has set up a hotline (2111 3862) to answer related enquiries. The DH has also instructed Hitpharm to report the root cause upon investigation by its manufacturer in Taiwan. The DH’s investigation is continuing.
According to Hitpharm, the product has been supplied to local private doctors and pharmacies.
The above pharmaceutical product contains Ibuprofen, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138) and is used to treat pain and inflammation. It can only be supplied at a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
“So far, the DH has not received any adverse reaction reports in connection with the above product. The DH will closely monitor the recall,” a spokesman for the DH said.
Members of the public should consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after using the product.
