THE first sign of improper effluent discharge was a strong stench of diesel that emerged when a manhole to the public sewerage system was opened at the Alam Jaya industrial area in Puncak Alam, Selangor.
At the bottom of the manhole at Jalan Tiaj 2/1 was thick black sludge, which could be black oil and diesel, said the authorities.
However, checks of nearby factory premises by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) did not immediately indicate a possible culprit.
“It may have been discharged by premises upstream of the public sewerage system.
“We were alerted of the improper effluent discharge by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) workers who are in charge of maintaining the public system,” said SPAN Enforcement Division director Ainal Yusman Mohamad Yusop during an inspection operation Tuesday (Nov 19).
Further down the road, the authorities discovered another manhole that was filled with hardened oil and grease, as well as more suspected diesel.
Samples collected from the two manholes would be sent for chemical analysis, said Ainal Yusman.
“The build-up of effluent caused the sewerage system here to overflow, causing disruption to the system.
“There are several workshops and food production factories that could have contributed to the discharge.
“All factory operators are required to ensure that discharge is handled properly,” he told reporters after the operation.
While only verbal warnings were issued to factory operators during Tuesday’s operation, Ainal Yusman said SPAN would not hesitate to take stern action if the culprits are identified.
Action can be taken under Section 61(1)(b) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).
It stipulates that anyone found discharging or allowing to discharge any noxious, volatile or inflammable substance into any public sewer or public sewage treatment works is liable to a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or a jail term of not more than one year, or both.
Also present during the operation were officers from Kuala Selangor Municipal Council.
