Phuket crackdown on wastewater pollution in the works

PHUKET: The director of the Regional Environmental Office has warned Phuket businesses and housing developments to comply with legal requirements in the treatment and release of wastewater – or face the consequences.

Dr Pornsri Suthanaruk told the Phuket Gazette she will be enforcing Section 80 of the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act BE 2535.

“Business owners must have a wastewater treatment system and must treat their own wastewater before releasing it in a public area,” Dr Pornsri said.

“They must also monitor and keep daily records of how effective their wastewater treatment systems are. These daily records must be reported to the local Environmental office each month,”she added.

Monthly reports can be filed at the local municipality or administrative office.

“The offices will pass it on to our department,” Dr Pornsri said.

Failure to comply with the act invokes a fine of up 100,000 baht, or one year in prison, or both, Dr Pornsri warned.

“Water pollution in Phuket right now has reached critical levels, so we will use Section 80 of the act to make sure the treatment of wastewater is taken more seriously,” she said.

Inspections of the wastewater treatment systems of Phuket businesses including hotels and resorts as well as residential housing developments are soon to come, the director warned.

“I have a list of all businesses in Phuket. I know it will be hard work and might take a long time, but I have to do it to improve water quality in the environment,” Dr Pornsri said.

— Saran Mitrarat