The foul odour and dead fish at the upper east side of the Putrajaya Wetlands Park in Precinct 13 since Nov 1 has been linked to a sewage leak.
Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) environmental control officer Normaliza Nordin said a blocked pipe during sewerage system upgrading works by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) outside Putrajaya caused sewage to flow into the wetlands.
This incident resulted in the death of aquatic life, blackened water and foul smell, she said in a statement to StarMetro.
Normaliza said the findings were made after a site visit on Tuesday by PPj and representatives from IWK, National Water Services Commission (SPAN), Department of Environment (DOE) and Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS).
She said IWK stopped the sewage flow on Tuesday.
“Physical clean-up work, including the removal of dead fish, decaying plants and scum from the water surface was carried out,” said Normaliza.
Water quality sampling was conducted to assess the impact, including the level of pollution and to identify affected areas.
“Water quality recovery measures were implemented with six portable aerator units installed to increase the dissolved oxygen level in the water.
“Three water pumps were also installed to further increase oxygen levels in the water,” added Normaliza.
A thorough inspection and continuous water sampling, she said, were being carried out to assess the current status until conditions returned to normal.
“Control and preventive measures are being implemented to contain the pollution within the wetland area and to prevent it from spreading to Putrajaya Lake.
“For the long-term sustainability of water resource management in Putrajaya, PPj will continue to work closely with DOE, LUAS and SPAN to ensure such incidents can be curbed at an early stage,” said Normaliza.
Precinct 12 resident Illias Said said many residents have lodged complaints about the stench.
“When I went to check on the source, I found thousands of dead fish floating in the wetland area.
“Other fish seen floating looked like they were dying. It was a pitiful sight,” he said.
Although the problem has been attended to, Precinct 12 Rukun Tetangga chairman Mohd Shahrum Nizam Yusoff said the stench was still lingering in the area.
“We hope clean-up efforts will continue until the water quality returns to normal.
“We also hope the incident will not recur as this not only impacts the environment but also residents’ well-being,” he said.
StarMetro reached out to IWK but did not receive a response as at press time.
