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March 15, 2016

Second illegal Yuen Long dumpsite turns up heat on govt

EJ Insight » Hong KongToday, 12:12

Roy Kwong (inset) points to the dumpsite in Lau Fau Shan. He blamed the proliferation of illegal landfills on lax law enforcement. Photos: Metro Daily

Roy Kwong (inset) points to the dumpsite in Lau Fau Shan. He blamed the proliferation of illegal landfills on lax law enforcement. Photos: Metro Daily

Calls for a full-scale investigation are mounting after a second illegal dumpsite was reported in Yuen Long in as many weeks.

The landfill, the size of two basketball courts and about five meters high, is in Lau Fau Shan, a small hill near Tin Shui Wai, Metro Daily reports, citing district councilor Roy Kwong.

Last week, residents of Kingswood Villas warned that a massive dumpsite near the residential estate could collapse any time and cause a deadly landslide.

Kwong said he has been receiving reports since September that soil and garbage are being dumped on Lau Fau Shan.

An asphalt access road to the area suggests dumping activities are continuing, he said.

Kwong pressed the government to investigate all dumpsites to see if they comply with health, safety and environmental regulations.

He blamed the proliferation of illegal landfills on lax law enforcement and criticized a government plan to shore up dumpsites, saying it will only encourage illegal dumping.

The Lands Department said the Lau Fau Shan site involves agricultural lots with no land use restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Planning Department said the owner of the site is in breach of town planning regulations.

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