By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, Sept 22 — Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (Luas) has managed to prevent an incident from potentially disrupting the operations of the Rantau Panjang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) after odour pollution was detected yesterday night.
State executive councillor for the environment Hee Loy Sian said the odour was first traced at around 8.30pm, within the vicinity of Sungai Gong in Rawang. Samples taken by Luas indicated a Threshold Odour Number (TON) reading of two in the area.
“The distance of the odour pollution location to the Rantau Panjang WTP was approximately 20km. Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd managed to prepare preventive measures for any possibilities at the nearby intakes.
“Per Luas’ investigations, several flow locations with a TON reading of one were discovered, It also found a diesel-like smell in the area of Sungai Gong’s headwater, that could have been from industrial premises,” he said in a statement.
Further investigations with Air Selangor also indicated diesel oil effluence flowing into a drain at a petrol station in Taman Bayu Permai. Hee said samples taken at the location were sent to the Chemical Department for analysis.
“Luas took early preventive measures by placing an oil boom at the Department of Irrigation and Drainage’s Sungai Gong reservoir pond, as well as four bags of activated carbon, four oil booms, and five oil pads in the petrol station’s drains to absorb oil and deodorise the area.
“Concurrently, Luas also prepared to carry out water pumping from alternative ponds in Bestari Jaya to the river for flushing and to increase the river’s dilution rate and its deodorisation. Bio-remediation for conservation efforts were also applied at affected areas,” he said.
The councillor added that orders were issued to the premises involved under Section 121(1) of the Luas Enactment 1999, to move any polluting substances that could potentially seep into the river’s flow, as well as carry out immediate cleaning to prevent the incident from recurring.
“Luas is also closely monitoring the affected area via odour sampling at the Glomac Department static office, to detect any changes in Sungai Gong’s odour. Per the records, no cessation of WTPs has been reported by Air Selangor.
“The state government will not compromise with any parties who commit the crime of polluting water sources, with stern action to be taken in line with the Luas Enactment 1999. Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and report any activities which could potentially contribute to the pollution of Selangor’s water sources, as well as report any suspicious activities to Luas for immediate action,” Hee said.
