Map Ta Phut gets tough on environment

Map Ta Phut Municipality is now busy working out plans, including rezoning, to enforce strict pollution standards in designated areas near industrial estates.

"We have been checking how many communities are located close to gas tanks. We have been checking how many smokestacks are in the areas," Penchom sae Tang, a coordinator for a group studying industrial pollution, said yesterday.

She said academics have helped her survey communities around the industrial parks in Rayong.

"The old zones will expire later this year, so we are developing new zoning," she said.

The Nong Fab community, which was surrounded by many factories, was a particular concern.

"If factories keep going up around here, residents may need to be relocated," she said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva signed an order on June 30 declaring specific areas in Rayong's Mueang Rayong district, including Map Ta Phut, a pollution-control zone.

Within 120 days, local plans must be ready to tackle the pollution in these areas.

"We have set up seven panels to work on the plans," said Surin Sinrat, secretary to the mayor.

Aside from rezoning, these panels will study the quality of water and air in the areas plus how to tackle industrial waste and health issues.

"The municipality will receive the plans from the panels late this month," Surin said.

"We will then review them and submit the final plans to the provincial government on August 25."

The municipality would also need the help of medical experts to take care of locals' health risks, he said.

"But what we intend to achieve concretely now is water quality for consumption," he said.

The municipality would also consult with factories on improving their wastewater treatment prior to any discharge into public waterways, he said.

Sombat Nernjaran, deputy chairman for the Nong Fab community, raised doubts about the Fund for Environment and Quality of Life.

"The fund was set up last year with more than Bt30 million. But now locals are told that the fund has already been running out of money," he said.

The fund was supposed to provide free medical treatment for locals who were given green healthcare cards.