By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, June 7 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) has taken steps to immediately fortify the bund around the lake area of Sungai Perimbun in order to prevent leachates from contaminating the tributary of Sungai Langat.
State executive councillor for the environment Hee Loy Sian said they received word of the effluent flow of leachates that could potentially flow into the river, following soil erosion that led to the failure of the bund’s structure.
“This could lead to leachate overflow from the lake, which was previously an illegal dumping site.
“Luas’ investigation has revealed that heavy rain resulted in the bund breaking at the pond, and it has taken several samples in different locations including the lake, Sungai Perimbun and Sungai Langat, which has recorded a zero Threshold Odour Number (TON) with an estimated ammoniacal nitrogen content of 0.4mg per litre,” he said in a statement.
Samples were taken at three of the sites, followed by Luas carrying out close monitoring and static monitoring at Sungai Perimbun and Sungai Langat.
“Its investigation has determined the odour reading to be at 0 Threshold Odour Number (TON) with no disturbances to the Cheras Batu 11 Water Treatment Plant (WTP) reported,” Hee said.
On May 31, Luas participated in a joint operation headed by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) over illegal dumping activities at the lake, which was also joined by the Environment Department and the Hulu Langat Land and District Office.
“The investigation revealed the lake was full of garbage and black effluent (leachates) with the location of the incident nearby Sungai Perimbun within a three-kilometre distance while the distance of the lake to the Cheras Batu 11 WTP was within 6.5 km.
“Luas also determined the Cheras Batu 11 WTP can potentially cease operations due to the increase in ammoniacal nitrogen content over set standard limits, should the lake overflow in the event of heavy rain,” he said.
The councillor added that Luas will open an investigation paper under Section 79 (1) of the Luas Enactment 1999, which stipulates a minimum fine of RM200,000 and a maximum fine of RM1 million, with no less than three years’ imprisonment.
“Following the joint operation, MPKj has seized the area and a Cease Work Activity Notice will be issued to the landowner after information on the land’s status has been acquired from the Hulu Langat Land and District Office. The office will also issue Notice 7A to the landowner for its immediate restoration.
“Luas thanks all parties who are concerned with Selangor’s water resources. The state government will not compromise with any quarters who commit water source pollution, with stern action taken in line with the Luas Enactment 1999,” Hee said.
He reminded the public to be aware of their activities which could potentially contribute to the pollution of water sources in the state, and to report any suspicious activities to Luas for immediate action.
