Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ 11: Surveillance on Tin Shui Wai pig farms stepped up

Following is a question by the Hon. Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam, in the Legislative Council meeting today (November 21):

Question

In response to my question on 1 November last year, the Government advised that the stench from a nullah in Tin Shui Wai originated from pig farms in the district, and that it would continue with its enforcement actions against illegal discharges of pig excretion. It is learnt that the problem of stench from the nullah has deteriorated rather than improved. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the measures that have been implemented since November last year for solving the above problem;

(b) the number of prosecutions instituted against farmers who illegally discharged pig excretion in the district within the same period, and the prosecution results; and

(c) the specific plans and measures to address the problem and the time by which it can be thoroughly solved?

Reply

(a) Since last November, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) have stepped up their surveillance on pig farms in Tin Shui Wai. This included 443 regular visits to these farms to inspect whether pig farmers had properly treated the wastewater in accordance with statutory requirements before discharge. EPD also conducted 127 night-time ambushes against farmers who were suspected to have discharged wastewater illegally.

During their regular visits, EPD and AFCD have also advised farmers on the proper methods in treating pig wastes and good housekeeping measures in raising pigs.

(b) Since November 2000, EPD has instituted seven prosecutions against farmers who were suspected to have discharged pig excretion illegally in the said area. In one case, the convicted farmer was fined $15,000. Arrangements have been made for the hearings of the other six cases.

(c) EPD and AFCD will continue to conduct visits to pig farms in Tin Shui Wai and perform their regular surveillance operations. EPD will pay special attention to farms with poor compliance records and conduct night-time ambushes.

In addition, EPD and AFCD will co-organise a refreshing seminar for farmers early next year to educate them on skills in handling pig wastes so as to raise their awareness in environmental protection.

Wednesday, November 21, 2001