SPAN orders shutdown of Ayer Ganda water treatment plant
KUALA LUMPUR: Why was the Ayer Ganda water treatment plant in Gerik allowed to continue operations despite being told two months ago that arsenic pollution had been detected in the facility?
This was the question posed by the National Water Service Commission (SPAN) to the Perak Water Board (LAP), whose actions over the matter was deemed “irresponsible” given the danger it posed.
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago, in announcing an immediate directive to shut down the treatment plant, said the pollution was first detected by the Health Ministry on Jan 8.
He said on Jan 14, LAP was advised to address the issue, or failing that, to shut down the facility’s operations.
It is learnt that LAP failed to upgrade the facility or find alternative water resources and allowed the treatment plant to continue operations.
Santiago said arsenic poisoning symptoms included skin rashes, and was especially dangerous for pregnant women.
“Arsenic poisoning is serious because you will not detect its effects now, but after two or five years, it can cause cancer.
“It is highly irresponsible for any water operator, after having known that there is a carcinogenic exposure (to consumers), to carry on operations. That is totally unacceptable,” he told a media con- ference at the parliament lobby here yesterday.
Santiago said the plant, which produced 0.68 million litres of water daily, still had traces of arsenic pollution in February and last month.
“The Health Ministry detected arsenic pollution during the inspections in January. SPAN was subsequently informed of the matter.
“Following a discussion, we sent a letter to LAP voicing our concerns and suggested that they (among others) shut down the water treatment plant. But LAP had a different view.
“Last month, the Health Ministry stated that arsenic pollution remained present. We had no choice, but to instruct them to shut it down. Action was taken after more than a month.
“SPAN has sent a letter ordering them to shut down (the facility). No compromises. Although they (LAP) replied with a letter asking for flexibility, we did not accept it.
“We have discussed with the minister (Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar) yesterday and he endorsed the decision to shut down the facility,” said Santiago.
The cause of the pollution was said to be a 100-year-old mine, which released arsenic as a result of poor maintenance.
Santiago said the SPAN management committee had asked the Health Ministry to carry out a health assessment impact on all 312 consumer accounts involving 1,500 residents.
It has also asked the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry to check on riverine life, including the fish in Sungai Rui following arsenic pollution.
He said the water treatment plant would cease operation until the water was safe for consumption. SPAN is now probing the issue on every aspect, including the possibility of negligence.
“This is the first (arsenic pollution). (If there’s negligence) we can take serious action. We did not only tell them to shut it down, we also gave them suggestions to look for other resources, such as underground water.
“We will file charges against them (LAP) if there is a breach or oversight on their part.”
Asked why LAP took more than two months to shut down the facility, Santiago replied: “You have to ask them. The SPAN enforcement team is already there carrying out detailed studies.
“But I want to issue a reminder here not to play around with people’s health. We need to be serious in matters relating to water supply.”