As an immediate mitigation measure, biological treatment was sprayed at the affected area.
THE Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) acted swiftly to prevent any potential shutdown of water treatment plants (LRA) following the detection of odour pollution at Sungai Gong in Rawang, Selangor, on Wednesday (April 26).
An unapproved riverbank strengthening project was found to be the cause of the odour pollution, said state tourism, environment, green technology and Orang Asli affairs committee chairman Hee Loy Sian.
In a statement, he said that LUAS’ Skuad Pantas detected the odour which was similar to diesel at 1.30pm Wednesday and activated Code Yellow based on the Water Resources Pollution Emergency Manual (incident that could potentially cause the LRA to stop working).
“Immediate investigations found an excavator some 150m from the river and near several factories.
“The machinery was used to carry out installation of a gabion wall to strengthen the riverbank, which was done without approval and did not adhere to proper specifications.
“Those responsible had also been carrying out the works from within the river and could result in pollution such as oil spills,” Hee said.
LUAS has ordered the operator to immediately remove any machinery from the riverbank.
As an immediate mitigation measure, biological treatment was sprayed at the affected area, through the Selangor's Water Resources Assurance Scheme (SJAM) initiative.
An investigation paper on the incident was made under Section 59(1) Luas Enactment 1999 for offences related to releasing of pollutants without a LUAS licence.
Air Selangor has also not reported any shut down of water treatment plants.
