Pattaya authorities mobilise to fix air pollution problems

Pattaya City officials are mobilising their departments to fight the region’s smog woes. Air pollution has plagued the Chon Buri province, along with Bangkok over recent months.

City Manager Chanatpong Sriviset chaired a special meeting last week to recap efforts taken over the prvious two weeks to combat the PM2.5 micron problem. The so-called PM2.5 is considered hazardous if more than 50 micrograms are measured within a cubic metre of air.

Pattaya’s air quality readings have exceeded readings of 100 for the past month, although they have returned to much lower readings this week.

City officials drafted eight action plans to curb dust involving Pattaya police and the departments of environment, public health, education, social development, tourism promotion and the City Manager’s Office.

Top of the list was getting smoke-belching vehicles off the road through aggressive patrols and ticketing. Trucks carrying dirt and rock also were stopped if their cargo wasn’t covered, according to the Pattaya Mail.

Construction sites were also targeted with contractors told to cover dirt piles and hose down their properties.

According to the Pattaya Mail report, city regulatory officers also were out to stop people from burning trash, leaves and other material outdoors, controlling ready-mix concrete and stop street vendors from barbecuing.

Environmental workers were also dispatched to clean streets and parks, plant more trees and use natural methods to combat the man-made pollution.

Schools were told to spray down their playgrounds and closely monitor students for respiratory effects. Public health workers likewise stepped up monitoring of the elderly or infirm, distribute face masks and push barbecue restaurants to install filters on their vents.

Other departments were mobilised for public-relations efforts to advise tourists, tour operators and residents about activities that contribute to air pollution.

SOURCE: Pattaya Mail