XN000022-1996-01-04 — Page 8

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"However, permits will normally not be granted unless open burning is the only means to achieve the effect," he stressed.

Any person who conducts illegal open burning activities is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a further fine of $500 for every 15 minutes during which the offence has continued.

End

Contract signed for works in Tseung Kwan O

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Works will soon start in Tseung Kwan O for the construction of seawalls and reclamation as part of the Tseung Kwan O Port Development at Area 137 Stage 1.

A $700 million contract for the works was signed today (Thursday) by the Civil Engineering Department's Principal Government Civil Engineer. Dr Choi Yu-leuk and representatives of the contractor, Gammon Construction and Ballast Nedam Baggeren BV Joint Venture.

Speaking after the contract signing. Dr Choi said the project was designed to provide capacity for disposing of at least 1.7 million cubic metres of public dump materials.

"Works will involve the reclamation of 57 hectares of land at Tseung Kwan () Area 137, and the construction of 3,500 metre long of seawalls and drainage outfalls," he said.

Dr Choi pointed out that Tseung Kwan O Area 137 had been identified as suitable for the operation of a public dump because it was remote and would not cause significant environmental impacts to the neighbouring areas. "Furthermore, it will serve as an important outlet for the construction waste generated on Hong Kong Island.

"With the opening of the public dump at Tseung Kwan O Area 137, now scheduled in April this year, public dump materials on Hong Kong Island can be delivered to the barging point at Aldrich Bay for loading onto barges for transportation to Tseung Kwan O," Dr Choi said.