XN000022-1997-01-29 — Page 57

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Answer:

Mr President,

The justifications for the relocation of Shiu Wing Steel Works do not apply in the case of Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse. Shiu Wing was relocated to implement the Tsueng Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan because the site Shiu Wing occupied is zoned "Commercial/Residential" and "Open Space" on the plan. The site Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse occupies, however, is zoned "Other Specified Uses" annotated 'Slaughterhouse' on the Kwai Chung Outline Zoning Plan.

As regards the complaints by nearby residents regarding the odour and noise from Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse, we would like to point out that the operation of the slaughterhouse complies with the licensing conditions and public health requirements under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132. The odour and noise emissions are within the limits under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, Cap.311 and the Noise Control Ordinance, Cap. 400.

Nevertheless, we appreciate that such emissions, although not in breach of statutory limits, may be a cause of nuisance to residents. To reduce the emissions, we have obtained the cooperation of the operator for more frequent hosing down of the pig unloading area and the lairage area, repairing the broken windows facing Riviera Gardens and closing up the windows during slaughtering hours. In recent weeks, the operator has also closed a good proportion of the open apertures facing Riviera Gardens. The operator of Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse has obtained the agreement of the pig delivering lorry drivers that they should not pass through Riviera Gardens via Wing Shun Street. To ensure this is done, Transport Department has prohibited the south-bound traffic at Wing Shun Street from turning right into the slaughterhouse. These measures have brought about significant improvements to the area. The operator has also agreed to consider employing consultants to examine other measures to further reduce noise and odour including the feasibility of using odour neutralizer. A working group with representatives from Tsuen Wan District Office and relevant government departments, Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse management, District Board members and representatives of Riviera Gardens was established in July 1996 to identify and monitor practical ways of reducing and containing the noise and odour nuisances emanating from the Slaughterhouse. The Administration is also considering imposing additional conditions on the licence of Tsuen Wan Slaughterhouse upon its renewal in November 1997.