SHAH ALAM: The swift action of the Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) in detecting odour pollution, believed to be diesel fuel, yesterday, succeeded in preventing water supply disruption during the Aidilfitri celebration today.
State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the pollution was detected at about 9.30 am, at the intake of the Cheras Batu 11 Water Treatment Plant (LRA), Hulu Langat.
She said LUAS then immediately moved to the location to check, and suspected that it was caused by the nearby industrial area, based on the detection of up to 2 TONs of smell in the sewer, before entering Sungai Langat in that area.
“LUAS investigation upstream did not find any cause which is suspected of potentially causing the oil traces.
“Further observation by LUAS at the (suspected) location has found the site of a diesel washing container in front of empty premises in the industrial area, which is believed to contain vehicle washing activities and releasing diesel into the sewer,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah said that LUAS immediately placed a total of 12 units of oil-absorbing pads and two bags of activated carbon (AC), weighing 50 kilogrammes, to deodorise, trap and prevent the flow of oil traces from flowing into Sungai Langat.
LUAS also appointed a contractor to carry out the cleaning of oil waste in the affected area, and the work was fully completed at 9.40 pm yesterday, she said.
“LUAS has also carried out intensive monitoring of the smell and effects of oil in Sungai Langat, every 30 minutes, around the Cheras Batu 11 LRA.
“LUAS verification at the location confirmed the odour reading of zero TONs, and no more traces of oil were found. This immediate mitigation action by LUAS succeeded in ensuring that there was no interruption of water supply to users,” she said.
She also called for all parties to be vigilant of activities and actions which have the potential to contribute to the pollution of the state’s water resources, especially during the festive season.
“Report any suspicious activity to LUAS for immediate action. The Selangor government and LUAS will not compromise with any party that pollutes water sources, and strict action will be taken under the provisions of the LUAS Enactment 1999,” she said.
