KUANTAN: Lynas Malaysia says that contrary to certain claims, sampling and analysis results of its rare earth refinery's wastewater discharge are all below standard limits.
The company said in a statement that measures had been implemented to ensure its operations in Malaysia meet the highest standards, comply with its licence conditions and meet the expectations of the Malaysian communities.
"We invest in accurate measurement so decisions can be based on facts. With respect to water, Lynas has been conducting monitoring in accordance to Environment Impact Assessment Condition 2008. This includes sampling and analysis of treated wastewater discharge, groundwater and Sungai Balok," it said.
Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh and Semambu assemblyman Lee Chean Chung had on Thursday (Jan 4) said that water samples collected by local residents at the refinery's discharge outlet on six dates last year showed that chemical oxygen demand, pH and arsenic readings were way above the standard limits.
They were disputing an advertisement by Lynas which stated that the water discharge had been measured to be safe at all times.
Lynas said in response that it had appointed two accredited laboratories for the sampling and analysis which was conducted on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
"The results are submitted to the Pahang Department of Environment (DoE) quarterly. Our testing protocols and agencies are approved by the DoE to ensure accuracy.
"We can confirm that readings which we have submitted to the DoE related to the dates and the parameters mentioned are all below standard limits," it said, adding that the DoE published the related information on its website.
"We do not comment on unsubstantiated claims made by external parties. We have published relevant information on residue management on our website https://www.lynascorp.com/Pages/Residue-Management.aspx
"We want to take this opportunity to assure your readers that Lynas has acted and will continue to act within all AELB Full Operating Stage Licence conditions relating to the operational and environmental performance of the facility, including those requirements associated with the management of residues," the company said in the statement to The Star.
The company also said that its water leach purification residue was safely stored in a temporary residue storage facility within the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant.
"This facility has been designed, constructed and is managed to meet the requirement of a permanent disposal facility. Lynas undertakes continuous monitoring of the environment both within and outside the plant up to 20km.
"All readings have been within the limits set by the relevant regulatory authorities and there has been no increase in background radiation levels at 1km, 5km, 10km and 20km from the plant," it said.
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