Ministry tackles chemical waste crisis with 14.9 million baht cleanup

The Ministry of Industry initiated a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant agencies to address areas recently contaminated with chemical waste. The Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, informed the media of the coordinated efforts yesterday, August 12.

Nattapol acknowledged the issues arising from the illegal dumping of hazardous substances in Rayong, Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phetchabun. The ministry deployed a team to monitor these complaint hotspots while working towards a lasting solution.

The ministry has joined forces with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Industrial Works, the Department of Pollution Control, and the Department of Groundwater Resources to devise an action plan aimed at preventing and resolving chemical leaks in six priority locations.

The identified sites include Win Process Co in Rayong, a waste and hazardous substance storage warehouse in Ayutthaya, the Aek Uthai company in Ayutthaya, the Suntech Chemical and Logistics Company in Ayutthaya, and two illegal dumping sites in Chachoengsao.

Nattapol mentioned that the plan received approval during the Pollution Control Committee meeting last Friday and will be submitted to the National Environment Board for further consideration within the month.

“The Hazardous Substances Management Committee has also approved a budget of 4 million baht to treat and eliminate all aluminium waste at Win Process in Rayong.”

An additional 6.9 million baht has been allocated to hire a disposal company to manage waste and hazardous substances in Ayutthaya’s Phachi district. Furthermore, 4 million baht has been designated for cleaning up the area surrounding the Aek Uthai buildings.

The committee directed relevant agencies to assist those affected by the issues caused by the Aek Uthai branch in Phetchabun. It has also called for collaboration with the Royal Thai Police and other agencies to prosecute the offenders responsible for the illegal dumping.

During the ongoing operation, the pollution control committee has instructed the industry ministry to prevent any usage of the contaminated land around Win Process in Rayong, enforcing a court order.

A working team has been established to create guidelines prohibiting the use of polluted land until it is deemed safe for use again, reported Bangkok Post.