IPOH: The pollution of Sungai Sepetang in Kampung Dew happened after the embankment to a treatment pond collapsed, says Perak science, environment and green technology committee chairman Teh Kok Lim.
He said the collapse of the structure, which belongs to Kilang Minyak Sawit Kamunting Sdn Bhd is believed to be due to structural weaknesses.
He said the factory immediately ceased operations after they were alerted to the collapse.
"The overflow of wastewater and sludge from Soakaway Pond 2 first entered a nearby mining area before flowing into Sungai Petai," he said in a statement on Friday (July 17).
Teh said repair works were carried out on the collapsed embankment and sludge clean-up at the nearby mining area was also completed.
He said the wastewater and sludge spill affected Sungai Petai, where an excavator and a floating cleaning unit were used to remove contamination.
"The factory has also been instructed to submit daily reports on the clean-up progress," he said.
Teh said subsequent monitoring at Sungai Petai found that wastewater and sludge continued to enter the river.
He said the factory was directed then ordered to construct a temporary barrier to prevent further discharge into Sungai Petai.
He said the last inspection at the site was conducted on June 18 after an earlier enforcement notice issued over leakage at the embankment of Soakaway Pond 1.
"At that time, repairs to Pond 1 were carried out, while inspections found the embankment at Soakaway Pond 2 to be in good condition, with no signs of wastewater or sludge overflow," he said.
He said investigations were also carried following complaints at Sungai Sepetang in Kampung Dew, where officers found several dead fish.
However, he said enforcement personnel were unable to reach the exact location highlighted in the complaint.
He said that in-situ water quality tests conducted at the Kampung Dew jetty, the location of the complaint, using a YSI Pro DSS meter on the day of the investigation recorded normal readings.
He added that the complainant informed officers that representatives from the Fisheries Department had also visited the affected site.
Teh said the Environment Department issued a field citation ordering the company to immediately stop the discharge of sludge from Soakaway Pond 2, repair the collapsed embankment without delay and submit a report on remedial works.
He added that the Environment Department would issue notices under Sections 31(1)(g) and 37(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for an offence under Section 16.
He said also recommended was to suspend the mill's licence to process crude palm oil under Regulation 4 of the Environmental Quality (Licensing) Regulations 1977.
It was reported that about two tonnes of fish were killed due to the pollution of Sungai Sepetang, affecting about 100 fishermen from Kampung Dew.
