Strict Control Measures For Map Ta Phut

[soundman]

Strict control measures for Map Ta Phut

By Janjira Pongrai

The Nation

Rayong

Published on March 4, 2009

The Rayong Administrative Court yesterday declared the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and its environs in this eastern province a pollution control area, requiring stricter enforcement of environmental measures and toxic control solutions.

Sutthi Atchasai, a coordinator for villagers living in areas near the estate, said the ruling in his group's favour was the first step in a series of successes to come.

He said his group would soon decide whether to file civil and criminal lawsuits against members of the National Environment Board.

The ruling covers the entire Map Ta Phut municipality, include tambons Thab Ma, Nern Phra and Map Kha in Muang district and the entire Ban Chang district.

Full imposition of pollutioncontrol measures must take place within 60 days.

The judges said they were convinced by several official reports citing excessive toxic leaks and wastes in wastewater and wastes produced by factories in the estate and detected in surrounding areas - including 20 types of extremely cancerous toxic fumes.

A health study also found that the incidence of cancers and leukaemia among the villagers was five times higher than the national rate. Another study showed that residents were also experiencing genetic defects.

Another report on industrial wastes released two years ago discovered that heavy metals in the areas were accumulating beyond safety standards.

Like activists and villagers in the crowded courtroom, a group of villagers screamed for joy upon hearing yesterday's decision from television sets they were monitoring.

Sutthi said a petition would be soon filed with the administrative court against a landfill belonging to an expansion project of a chemical plant off a beach in the estate, which villagers suspected was being carried out in violation of the law.

Along with other routine issues, the National Environment Board is expected to discuss preventive measures as a result of the court ruling in about two weeks as an urgent matter. The board's new chairman is Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Article.

[soundman]

PM: Pollution ruling is a threat

By: VICHAYA PITSUWAN AND YUTHANA PRAIWAN

Published: 5/03/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: News

Delays in investment by state-owned energy giant PTT Plc could jeopardise the national economy, warns Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

PTT's investment plans were thrown into disarray this week when the Rayong Administrative Court ruled the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong should be designated a pollution-control zone.

The court further ruled yesterday that the National Environment Board must declare the area covering Map Ta Phut, Noen Phra, Map Kha and Thap Ma in Muang district a pollution control zone within 60 days.

The ruling would have a sweeping impact on thousands of companies operating along the Eastern Seaboard. Many might be forced to upgrade their equipment or limit manufacturing activity to control emissions.

The 1992 Environmental Promotion and Protection Act requires state agencies and regulators to take urgent action to limit pollution in areas designated control zones.

Mr Abhisit, who chaired a meeting of the Board of Investment (BoI) yesterday, directed the National Economic and Social Development Board to study the environmental impact of the ruling on local communities and provide economic ministers with full study details as soon as possible.

Continued here.

[hammered]

Good to see another decision that helps a local community. There have been some horror stories from villages there over the years. Usually though big industry and their "connections" win out. Maybe a few things are changing in Thailand and there will be greater awareness of environment and rights of communities in the future. Time will tell.

[Soutpeel]

Full imposition of pollutioncontrol measures must take place within 60 days.

Where do these people come from..??? to put measures in place will take years...

Think they must just pull these numbers out there ar*e...