Map Ta Phut pollution case to get 'special' status

DSI directorgeneral Pol Colonel Tavee Sodsong yesterday invited Jinda Thechasarin, chief of the Industrial Works Department's Eastern Region Centre for Environment, Silpakorn University's biology lecturer Renu Vecharatpimol and Map Ta Phut resident Noi Jaitang to discuss the problem and seek solutions.

Saying that the problem was long standing and that the lack of law enforcement and negligence had allowed factories to expand unchecked, Tavee said DSI had visited the site to gather evidence so it can propose making it a special case with the DSI Special Case Committee next month.

Jinda said in the past two or three years, pollution in Map Ta Put had become worse and a test on soil and water samples at the site showed lead contamination as high as 30 per cent. Tests on another 20 spots near the motorway's 0 to 1 kilometre markers also showed traces of other toxic metals along with substances that could cause leukaemia.

Renu said a genetic study of local residents and animals around the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate showed that 56 people had died from cancer between 2004 and 2006, and many people suffered from respiratory diseases. Local waterborne animals also showed signs of genetic change, while green mussels at Sai Thong Beach were found carrying five times more mercury and arsenic compared to those found in Sri Racha area, she said.

Noi said residents were being affected by different kinds of cancer and respiratory diseases due to the unsupervised release of toxins. He said many farmers could no longer grow chilli or mango because the water was not clean and the soil contaminated. He said they had filed complaints with state offices but got no assistance. Noi said his wife and his motherinlaw had both died from cancer, while he has developed a respiratory disease, and that is why he wants the government to find solutions fast.