Officers of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) make regular inspections of potential air polluting plants and respond to air pollution complaints raised by the public. Enforcement is empowered by the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) and its subsidiary regulations. When appropriate, the EPD gives advice or issues a legal notice to the premises to abate the air pollution. If the advice or legal notice is ignored, legal action is then taken against the offender. In 2016, the EPD gave advice on 2 260 occasions, served 156 notices and undertook 90 prosecutions under the APCO and 1 prosecution under the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (OLPO) (see chart below).
Air Pollution Enforcement Statistics in 2016
| Chimney Applications Processed | 551 |
| Specified Process Licences (Newly Issued) | 7 |
| Notices Served | 156 |
| Prosecutions (APCO & OLPO) | 91 |
| Technical Advice Given | 2 260 |
Fines Imposed for Air Pollution Convictions in 2016 (HK$)
| Total | Highest | Lowest | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breach of Construction Dust Regulation | 109 500 | 15 000 | 1 500 | 4 761 |
| Breach of Asbestos Requirement | 208 000 | 15 000 | 3 000 | 8 667 |
| Fails to comply with air pollution abatement notice | 115 000 | 25 000 | 5 000 | 11 500 |
| Defective Design | 46 000 | 10 000 | 2 000 | 5 750 |
| Illegal Installation/Alteration | 104 000 | 29 400 | 3 000 | 13 000 |
| Breach of Ocean Going Vessels(Fuel at Berth) Regulation | 62 000 | 15 000 | 5 000 | 12 400 |
| Breach of Volatile Organic Compounds Regulation | 30 000 | 15 000 | 15 000 | 15 000 |
| Contravention of terms and conditions of licence | 10 000 | 10 000 | 10 000 | 10 000 |
| Breach of Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance | 80 000 | 80 000 | 80 000 | 80 000 |
| Breach of Motor Vehicle Fuel Regulation | 12 000 | 12 000 | 12 000 | 12 000 |
