Company in Pak Chong under investigation for waste dumping

The Thai authorities have launched an investigation into a company in Pak Chong for waste dumping into the soil, resulting in a strong chemical odour, officials are urgently collecting groundwater samples for lab analysis.

The incident came to light when images were shared, showing the private company in Klang Dong, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, seemingly dumping waste directly into the soil. This practice is suspected to have been ongoing for three to four years.

The Director-General of the Department of Groundwater Resources under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Oranuch Lo-Pensri, has instructed a collaborative effort between officials from the Groundwater Conservation and Rehabilitation Office, the Department of Industrial Works, the Pollution Control Department, and the Royal Forest Department.

Their task is to investigate whether the company has violated the Factory Act of 1992 and its subsequent amendments.

The company in question operates a lime production plant and uses high-calorific liquid as fuel in the production process. Their machinery was found to have encroached on forest land, subsequently, the court ordered the removal of structures within the area.

During the inspection, two licensed groundwater wells were found within the company’s premises. One well, located within the factory area, has a depth of 103 meters and is currently in use. The other well, situated in the forest area, has a depth of 80 metres but is not in use, although the well structure and pumping equipment remain intact.

Additionally, there are three observation wells, each with a depth ranging from 3 to 6 meters, all of which are dry.

Officials from the Department of Groundwater Resources conducted drilling operations behind the company’s premises at the location reported to have been contaminated. At a depth of 2 metres, the soil emitted a strong chemical odour.

Twenty groundwater samples have been collected for laboratory analysis to assess the waste dumping impact on groundwater quality before returning the results to the company and proceeding with legal action if deemed necessary, reported Khaosod.

This investigation highlights the ongoing battle against environmental violations in industrial sectors. Ensuring compliance with environmental laws is crucial for the health and safety of communities and ecosystems. The inspection team aims to hold the company accountable while preventing further environmental degradation.