Udon Thani factory operators face legal action over water pollution
The operators of two Udon Thani factories are facing legal action for allegedly causing water pollution that killed scores of fish in a canal in Muang and Kud Chap districts over a five-day period in April.
Following a meeting yesterday between officials and the factories’ representatives, Udon Thani Deputy Governor Chaichan Eium-charoen said the evidence gathered by state agencies clearly showed what caused the water pollution.
As such, Chaichan said the meeting was held so the accused could be informed about the impact of the pollution and explain themselves.
After the damage assessment and further evidence was gathered, district chiefs would be assigned to proceed with legal actions, he said, adding that further details would be announced next week.
A provincial natural resource and environment official Apichai Jiansirikul said the water pollution was caused by wastewater leaking from two factories.
A tapioca powder factory was accused of releasing wastewater into a connecting canal and has been temporarily closed pending improvements, he said.
The rubber wood processing factory was accused of pumping wastewater into nearby rubber plantations, which posed the risk of wastewater leaking into natural water sources, he said, adding that the cumulative organic matters could result to the fish deaths.
The fish deaths and the Fishery Act violation, the latter a criminal offence, could result in six months to five years in prison and/or a fine of Bt10,000 to Bt100,000.
The tapioca powder factory’s representatives admitted to releasing wastewater prior to the fish deaths and agreed to join the canal rehabilitation efforts.
The rubber wood processing factory maintained it did not release wastewater and promised to make improvements to prevent further leakage.
