More than 50 Patong operators releasing untreated wastewater

Patong Municipality is preparing to dredge the Pakbang Canal at the southern end of Patong Beach this week before more heavy rain. Operators who are releasing untreated wastewater into drains are being asked to urgently to solve the problem before legal action will be taken and enforced.

Patong’s Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup says, “We are solving the problem of black and foul smelling water from Pakbang Canal flowing into Patong Beach. We have 4 million baht budget ready for dredging the sediments. Now it is getting to the rainy season, we have to do this as soon as possible.

“Sediment is not the only problem that is causing the black water. Some operators are releasing untreated wastewater into drains. This wastewater is mixing with rain and flowing into Pakbang Canal and to the sea,” She explained.

“We found that there are about 50 operators including hotels, restaurants and houses that are releasing untreated wastewater. We have already informed them to fix the problems. We are willing to give them advice but they must fix the problems quickly. If they still ignore us we have to enforce the laws and force them to comply,” she noted.

“We are now constructing the Phase 4 of the new wastewater treatment system. This will be able to handle wastewater of an additional 9,000 cubic metres. It’ s expected to be finished by the end of this year. The whole system will be able to handle 30,000 cubic metres. Patong continues to grow very quickly and more wastewater is been produced. We are also planning to built Phase 5 of wastewater treatment as well,” she added.