KANCHANABURI
Clean-up of creek to kick off this week
PONGPHON SARNSAMAK
THE NATION



Lead sediment to be removed; villagers to be given compensation

KANCHANABURI: -- Moves will be made for the first time this week to start a clean-up operation of lead-tainted sediment in Kanchanaburi's Lower Klity Village- the scene of a long-running environmental saga.

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) will hire a firm to undertake proper treatment of sediment to allow locals to enjoy a safer environment.

Moreover, villagers will receive nearly Bt4 million as compensation from the PCD after a ruling in their favour last month by the Supreme Administrative Court.

However, local residents said they will have to be cautious about water consumption as the lead level in their local river remains dangerously high.

Contamination in a small creek in Lower Klity, caused by the leak of lead-tainted wastewater released from the nearby Ore Dressing Factory, was first reported in 1988.

With the creek contaminated, the owner of the factory dredged lead-tainted sediment from a 2.5km-long section of the bottom of the watercourse. About 3,000 tonnes of sediment was buried underground a short distance away - in eight different locations along Klity creek over 14 years ago - and has never been removed or treated.

But underground ponds, used to store lead-tainted sediments, have been destroyed and the tainted sediment has flowed into the small river.

To date, local villagers cannot safely use the water or eat aquatic animals from Klity Creek, as the large amount of tainted sediment is still located near the riverbed.

PCD director-general Wichien Jungrungruang said the agency had selected Better World Green to undertake a Bt7-million clean-up. From Thursday, the company will begin to remove the first batch of lead-tainted sediment buried in several areas not far from the creek.

Some of the lead-tainted sediment will taken away.

For the remainder, stored under the ground, the PCD will seek more funds from the government to support further work.

PCD will also give Bt3.8 million as compensation, ordered by Supreme Administrative Court, to 22 villagers who petitioned the Central Administrative Court in 2004, complaining that Klity Creek, their village's lifeline, was heavily polluted.

Further work to rehabilitate Klity Creek will need to be done. Wichien said he would organise two public forums to gather ideas from local residents and environmental experts on the best way to do this.


-- The Nation 2013-03-26

Well, it only took ten years. Government in action!

lead in the water, that would explain a lot for most thai's behaviour or lack of manners or education

Well, it only took ten years. Government in action!

I thought it said 1988 - that would make it 25 years that they've ignored the problem...

Imagine the elders who grew up with a natural pristine creek and to witness the total pollution their kids are left with, shame on all responsible.

Well, it only took ten years. Government in action!

I thought it said 1988 - that would make it 25 years that they've ignored the problem...

Yup.. and now they're going to give a nice wad of cash to those who actually complained about it and have a few friendly gatherings for 'ideas' on what to finally do.. ('Oh, hum.. nice new car you've got out there.. more tea anyone?')...

lead in the water, that would explain a lot for most thai's behaviour or lack of manners or education

So I gather that behavioural shortcomings and ill manners are more marked among Thais than expats or tourists. Hmmm...

What explains the neo-colonial attitudes of posters on TV? Is there lead in their water?

lead in the water, that would explain a lot for most thai's behaviour or lack of manners or education

Just what did Thailand do to attract such a wise and nonjudgmental Gentleman such as your self.

Indeed they are fortunate to have you. Let me guess was it the beautiful ladies that caught your eye.

Or Do you feel superior to them because you were inferior where you came from and probably not wanted.

Fortunately for you the Thais are quite excepting people.

lead in the water, that would explain a lot for most thai's behaviour or lack of manners or education

Just what did Thailand do to attract such a wise and nonjudgmental Gentleman such as your self.

Indeed they are fortunate to have you. Let me guess was it the beautiful ladies that caught your eye.

Or Do you feel superior to them because you were inferior where you came from and probably not wanted.

Fortunately for you the Thais are quite excepting people.

Well said HD.