Wetlands waiting for protection damaged by construction waste

Two wetlands that are among 12 priority areas to be protected under the new nature conservation policy have been damaged by the illegal dumping of construction waste.

The discovery has led to green groups criticising conservation policy as ineffective, saying the dumping had been prompted by introduction last year of the waste-charging scheme, under which contractors have to pay for construction debris dumped in landfills.

Inspectors from the Environmental Protection Department and the Planning Department, responding to complaints, found that about 1,000 square metres of wetland at Mai Po Lung in San Tin and 100 square metres at Long Valley in Sheung Shui had been filled in last month, spokeswomen for both departments said.

Cement, plastic and other construction materials were yesterday piled up on farmland at Long Valley, near the Yin Kong village. This included hazardous waste such as glass tubes and plastic which might release heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

At San Tin, two fish ponds together covering half a hectare were encroached on by several piles of debris, including bricks and paint cans.

The Planning Department said the debris had been dumped on both private and government land. Warnings had been given to private land owners and further enforcement actions were being considered.