Phanat nikhom: The People's Party has launched an investigation into a factory in Phanat Nikhom, uncovering illegal chemical dumping and the presence of ponds containing acidic water. The party is calling on government agencies to further investigate these environmental violations.
According to Thai News Agency, Members of Parliament from the People's Party, alongside the party's environmental issue committee, held a press conference to discuss their field investigation into public grievances concerning illegal chemical dumping and wastewater in Chonburi Province. They highlighted their concerns about the potential negative effects on local water sources, air quality, and residents' quality of life.
Mr. Poonsak Chanchanapi, a Member of Parliament for the People's Party and a member of the party's Environmental Issues Committee, reported on his investigation into public complaints regarding illegal dumping activities in Nawanghin Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District. He emphasized the detrimental effects on water sources, air quality, and residents' well-being.
Mr. Poonsak explained that the party's environmental working group had visited the area and consulted with relevant agencies in Chonburi province, including the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office and the Environmental and Pollution Control Office Region 13, among others. The group identified several critical issues during their investigation.
The first issue involves an industrial park with nine factories causing public disturbances through dust, noise, and odors from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which may be carcinogenic. The working group has coordinated with the Chonburi Provincial Industrial Office and the Pollution Control Department to assess the impact and measure VOC levels in the area.
Another issue pertains to wastewater from more than 200 worker dormitories within the industrial zone, far exceeding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report's stipulation of a maximum of 80 rooms. The working group has requested an investigation from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONREP).
The working group also discovered a highly acidic pond near an industrial company, with the potential to contaminate the surrounding environment. They have requested the Department of Industrial Works to inspect the factory's waste management practices and ensure proper disposal or management of waste.
Additionally, the issue of illegal clay pits lacking buffer zones and potentially encroaching on public land has arisen. The working group has called for inspections of permits and operations of clay pits across the province. Furthermore, they identified instances of public land being used for private purposes, necessitating urgent investigation.
In response to these findings, the People's Party has sent letters to relevant agencies, requesting comprehensive investigations into wastewater treatment, chemical mass balance, and waste collection data over the past three years. They also urge expedited enforcement of laws against polluters, ensuring that investigations do not become protracted, allowing the situation to deteriorate further. The party pledges to monitor progress and participate in joint inspections with relevant agencies.