Concrete plant ordered to close over dust emissions

The government has refused to renew the licence of a concrete batching plant in Yau Tong, citing poor environmental performance.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on Friday said multiple serious dust emission incidents had happened at the plant on Tung Yuen Street, causing air pollution.

It added that the plant was prosecuted over one of the incidents last year.

“The plant continued to cause serious dust emission incidents recently, and the EPD is conducting investigations and gathering evidence for these incidents,” the department said in a statement.

It said the plant had failed to comply with licence renewal requirements concerning pollutant emissions and nuisance caused to residents nearby.

The plant has 21 days to file an appeal or it must cease operation.

Chris Cheung, a Sai Kung district councillor, said he welcomes the government’s decision, but it should make sure the company can’t simply start up again as a new firm.

“I’m worried that the shareholders of this Yau Tong concrete plant will establish another company and apply for a licence to move to Tseung Kwan O,” he told RTHK.

The government is studying whether it can use a site in Tseung Kwan O for a concrete batching plant.