Initial investigation found the spillage 3km from water intake
SHAH ALAM – The odour pollution incident which forced four water treatment plants (WTPs) in the state to be shut down temporarily last night was caused by a fuel spill, believed to be diesel from heavy machinery.
State Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said the Selangor Water Management Authority’s (Luas) investigation along Sg Selangor found the oil spill at the river bank some 3km away from the Rantau Panjang WTP intake.
“Following this, Luas took immediate action by placing oil booms and pads at the location and installing bunds at the riverbank to prevent the oil from seeping into the river. “In the meantime, the owner of the heavy machinery has removed the equipment and carried out cleaning work on the instructions of Luas,” he said in a statement today.
Hee said the temporary shutdown of the WTPs intake points for around four hours was a control and preventive measure to avoid worse pollution to the water treatment system. “The problem was quickly addressed with the channelling of raw water starting at 10pm yesterday and lowering the barrage gates at the WTP intake.
“Further investigations are underway to ensure that this matter is fully resolved. Luas will also do sampling for further action involving legislation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hee said that raw water was channelled back to the Rantau Panjang WTP intake at 1.30 am and at 2.15 am today to the Sg Selangor Phase 1 (SSP1) WTP, Sg Selangor Phase 2 (SSP2) WTP and Selangor Phase 3 (SSP3) WTP after recording three consecutive 0 TON readings.
Earlier, Air Selangor announced the temporary shutdown of the four WTPs causing unscheduled water supply disruptions in eight districts.
However, the four WTPs have resumed operations this morning, and water supply is being distributed in stages to affected consumers from 6.30am.
– Bernama, February 12, 2023
