-
10 -
Livestock waste control areas expanded
Control of livestock waste will be further extended to some areas in the New Territories with effect from July 1.
Affected areas include the corridor between Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, part of Yuen Long area and Kam Tin River.
"Starting July, treated wastewater from livestock farms in these areas must comply with the discharge standards, initially at 250 mg/L: 250 mg/L (biochemical oxygen demand suspended solids), later to 100 100 and finally to the 50: 50 standards, in three years' time." Principal Environmental Protection Officer of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Dr Ellen Chan, said.
:
For farms already under livestock waste control on July 1, 1995 or earlier, they would have to meet the agreed discharge standards of 100 100 starting July 1 this
year.
Letters advising farmers on the tightening of discharge standards have been sent to all affected farms.
"The three-year phased programme in meeting discharge standards is to give livestock farmers sufficient time to adjust to the use of waste treatment facilities," Dr Chan said.
"And to facilitate the implementation of the livestock waste control scheme, an improved waste collection service will be provided, starting also on July 1.
"Livestock farms requiring the service may contact the contractor, Waylung Waste Collection Ltd, direct on 2653 0146," Dr Chan said.
Leaflets on the waste collection service will be available at district offices. Enquiries on livestock waste control can be made to EPD's Local Control Offices.
End