A Guide to the Water Pollution Control Ordinance | Environmental Protection Department

Offences and Penalties

32.

It is an offence to discharge polluting matter in a water control zone, or to discharge effluent in breach of the terms and conditions specified in the licence. The only exemptions are those stated in paragraph 8 above. The maximum penalty is

(A)	For discharges of any waste or polluting matter: 6 months imprisonment and
(A)	for a first offence, a fine of $200,000 for a second or subsequent offence, a fine of $400,000 in addition, if the offence is a continuing offence, a fine of $10,000 for each day

(B)	For discharges of poisonous or noxious matter: for a first offence, a fine of $400,000 and imprisonment for 1 year for a second or subsequent offence, a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 2 years in addition, if the offence is a continuing offence, a fine of $40,000 for each day

(C)	For contravention of the conditions of a licence: A fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 6 months

33.

Any person who fails to comply with any requirement specified in a notice stated in paragraph 24 above commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $100,000. In addition, if the offence is a continuing offence, a fine of 5,000 for each day.

34.

Any person who provides information which he knows to be false commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $10,000.

35.

Any person who wilfully obstructs an authorized officer in the exercise of his power in the course of his duty commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $10,000.

36.

Under no circumstances should an applicant offer an advantage to Government staff, to do so is an offence under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.