Hundred of villagers complained to the Nongprue local government about the location of a garbage dumping project in a conservation area, which is causing foul odors. What is more, the location is very close to Huey Sark Nork Reservoir, which connects to the Maap Pra Chan Reservoir. Local residents fear that toxic chemicals will flow into their source of local drinking water.

On 19 June 2007, villagers of Soi Wat Tung Glom-Tanman, gathered to protest the dumping of garbage in the conservation area.

The Nongprue local government is digging up the ground for dumping garbage near Huey Sark Nork Resevoir, which is the water source that connects to Maap Pra Chan Reservoir. The villagers are suffering from foul odors and are concerned for their health, as the location is very close to the reservoir.

They complained that the authorities did not ask for public opinion or give any information about the project. In addition, garbage trucks have come there to dump garbage more than thirty times in the past five days. When local residents became aware of the putrid odor in the area, they went to investigate and found a big hole with piles of garbage. They were very concerned that toxic chemicals would flow into the reservoir, which is their primary source of water, as they do not have water supplied by pipelines.

The residents also presented City Planning documents which confirmed that the area is a local conservation and agricultural area; and is not suitable for markets, stadiums, garbage, golf courses, etc. This garbage dumping project has an adverse affect on public health. Therefore, the villagers of Soi Wat Tung Glom-Tanman asked the authorities who is responsible for considering this problem. They would like this problem resolved as soon as possible.

News Type : Community

Story : Konsidin

Photo : Sangwilai

Translater : Sunny T

http://pattayadailynews.com/shownews.php?IDNEWS=0000003207

People Power wins the day as Rubbish Dump is closed down by local administration.

We were invited to report on a protest meeting which was held near a quarry in Nongprue and was attended by Khun Mai, the Mayor of Nongprue. The meeting was convened to discuss plans to use the disused quarry to dump domestic and commercial refuse. These plans which were not made public before the site was used to dispose of rubbish angered local residents who have demanded answers from the Mayor of Nongprue. The residents including Khun Jamnien who made us aware of the problem, claim that foul odors and water contamination will affect the quality of life for local residents.

At this meeting, the Mayor was told that before the quarry was used to dump rubbish, the area, which is populated by many foreigners was a quiet and clean neighborhood. The protesters are aware that a private company are using the quarry and the local Administration claim they are not responsible for the site, however the protesters want the Administration to assert their authority and demand that the company stop dumping rubbish with immediate effect. We understand that Khun Mai has ordered the company to stop dumping rubbish at the location until a full study is undertaken which will include a report on the environmental impacts of the dumped refuse.

http://www.pattayacitynews.net/news_21_06_50.htm