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Letter to the Editor of SCMP dated 18 August 2006 - Monitoring of Pet Crematorium
I refer to an article carried in your paper today (18 August 2006) entitled "Row over smoke-belching pet crematorium". I wish to clarify the position for the benefits of your readers.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is very concerned about the emissions from pet cremation.
Under the Air Pollution Control (Furnaces, Ovens and Chimnenys)(Installation and Alteration) Regulations, all combustion process, including pet cremation, will need the approval from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) before installation if the capacity of equipment exceeds 25 litres of liquid fuel or 35 kilogrammes of solid fuel or 1150 megajoules of gaseous fuel per hour. EPD will ensure they are properly designed for prevention of air pollution before they put into operation.
Irrespective of the size of the cremator, if the cremation causes air pollution nuisance to its neighbours or evolves any air pollutant because of unsuitable design, defective construction, improper operation or maintenance, EPD will issue a statutory notice to the owner to require abatement of the air pollution under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. Failing to comply with the requirement stipulated in the notice is an offence and is liable to a heavy fine of $100,000 (or $200,000 if it is a second or subsequent conviction) and to an imprisonment for 6 months.
Despite our previous inspections to the pet crematorium under complaint did not show that it is causing air pollution problem, we will continue monitoring the situation and keep it under close surveillance. We would also ensure that the cremator will be properly operated to prevent air pollution. Should we find unacceptable emissions from these premises, we will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action under the Ordinance.
Pang Sik-wing
Acting Assistant Director of Environmental Protection
for Director of Environmental Protection
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