By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, July 22 — Two instances of potential water source pollution were averted this week by the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) which could have resulted in the shutdown of several water treatment plant (WTP) in the state.
In a statement, it said the first instance occurred on Tuesday (July 19) when an oily smear was detected in Sungai Langat, which could have jeopardised the Semenyih 2, Bukit Tampoi and Labohan Dagang WTPs’ operations and resulted in a Code Yellow.
“Luas’ 24-hour monitoring patrol successfully detected and handled the situation. The oily smear in Sungai Langat was approximately 7.38km from the Semenyih 2 WTP, 17.38km from the Bukit Tampoi WTP, and 31.18km from the Labohan Dagang WTP.
“Investigations at several locations including Hulu Kampung Sungai Tangkas, premises and work sites did not detect any traces of the smear or abnormal odours,” said Luas.
The second instance took place earlier today when the agency detected a paint-like odour pollution measuring two on the Threshold Odour Number (TON) scale, along Sungai Kabul in Langat.
“Luas’ investigation discovered the physical appearance of Sungai Kabul’s water to be greenish-white and took action by placing six bags (150 kg) of activated carbon in the river, as well as taking water samples.
“The pollution could potentially disrupt the operations of the Semenyih, Bukit Tampoi dan Labohan Dagang WTPs, as it was situated some 17km, 29km and 40km away, respectively,” it said.
Further investigations at a construction site washing effluent, suspected to be the source of the odour, did not reveal anything. Similarly, the odour was no longer present along Sungai Kabul’s water flow after the site was investigated, with the greenish colour having since disappeared.
“Odour sampling tests at the river were increased to every 30 minutes, and subsequently revealed a zero TON reading with the river’s water conditions back to normal. Luas is closely monitoring the status of these two incidents and will continue to monitor them 24-hours non-stop to ensure Selangor’s water resources remain guaranteed and preserved.
“Luas and the agencies involved have successfully and immediately addressed both these incidents. No disruption to the WTPs’ operations was reported.
The agency called upon all parties to remain vigilant against any activities that could potentially contribute to the pollution of the state’s water sources.
“We hope for everybody to be responsible in playing a part to control the emission of effluence caused by their respective activities. Luas welcomes collective involvement in conserving water sources, as any acts of negligence or dumping activity are a threat to the continued operation of WTPs in Selangor as well as disrupting the supply of treated water,” it said.
