Likelihood ofgroundwater contamination due to elevated location of DPL factory: NWSDB

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) which tested water samples in an around the controversial rubber glove factory in Rathupaswala, Weliweriya, has concluded that the factory which is situated in an elevated area, could lead to the contamination of ground water.

The report, filed in the Gampaha Magistrate Court, states that, “Geographically and Hydro geologically, the factory is located in an elevated area which is an unsuitable location that would carry contaminants with the ground water flow.”

However, in its conclusions it said that there is no clear evidence to show that the low pH of the area is due to factory effluent.

The report also adds that water samples taken from the factory-dug well and the wells dug within a radius of 300 meters in the southwest direction, shows high concentration of Nitrate and Sulphate values.

According to the WHO, high levels of Nitrate in water could result in blue baby syndrome in bottle-fed babies. The condition ‘decreases ability of blood to carry vital oxygen around the body’ and children may have ‘trouble breathing, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea’.

The Water Board recommends that immediate action be taken “to protect the groundwater aquifers from contamination, by giving full authority to a groundwater related government institute and establish proper dumping methods to minimise groundwater contamination.”

Another report filed in courts by the Government Analyst’s Department, states that, “chemical analysis of a water sample taken from the factory on August 22, shows that the Nitrate level is 110, while the maximum permissible level is 10.

Meanwhile, controversy over the reopening of the factory continued.

Environment Protection Organisation’s Legal Advisor Palitha Senaratna who, along with the residents, is against the reopening of the factory, said it should be relocated in the Biyagama BOI zone, as promised by the President.

On the other hand, DPL PLC officials, of the rubber glove factory, maintain that the factory is not responsible for the low pH values in the water. DPL PLC, Managing Director, Dr Mahesha Ranasoma reiterated that, following the protests by residents, several government institutes including the NWSDB, the Central Environment Authority (CEA) and the Government Analyst conducted tests and their results specify that no clear evidence emerged to determine that the factory’s effluent discharge was responsible for the low pH values in water.

At a media briefing on Tuesday (19), Dr Ranasoma accused government authorities of not clearing the misconception that originated on July 15, when a report issued by the NWSDB affirmed that the pH of the water sample was less than 7, and the water was acidic. Hence, it shouldn’t be used for drinking purposes without proper treatment. Consequently, the people turned against the factory.

Dr Ranasoma emphasised that since the closure of the factory on July 30, they have already lost more than Rs 1 billion, and many who work for the factory have lost their jobs. He said that nobody seems to be talking of those who rely on the factory.

“Over 6,000 families are supported by the factory, and now they are facing immense difficulties because it is not functioning,” he said.

Dr. Ranasoma and CEA Chairman Wimal Rubasinghe said that they were awaiting further investigations into the matter and until it was done they could not issue a statement for the factory to be reopened.

“Presently, the licence for the factory has been cancelled. I believe that it will be relocated in Biyagama BOI Zone,” he said, adding that land has been allocated by the BOI for this purpose.