Chiang Mai: Pollution Control Department rushes to collect sediment samples for re-examination after academics warn that dredging could spread contaminants, affecting public health and the environment in the northern border region.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Priyaporn Suwannaket, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), revealed that academics expressed concern about arsenic and heavy metals potentially spreading from the dredging of the Kok River, Sai River, and Ruak River, which is being carried out to prepare for the flood season. The dredging activities are currently bringing sediment up to the riverbanks, causing local residents to worry about the possibility of heavy metal dust dispersing or being washed away by rain into their fields, thus impacting their health and the surrounding environment.
The Pollution Control Department has tasked the Office of Environmental and Pollution Control 1 (Chiang Mai) to collaborate with relevant agencies to collect sediment samples from the areas where dredging is taking place. These samples will be analyzed for arsenic and other heavy metals, with results to be reported promptly to local agencies and the public.
The government is focusing on preventing and managing heavy metal contamination in the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers to safeguard public health and reassure locals. The Pollution Control Department has established four environmental quality monitoring centers: Thai Traditional Medicine Center in Tha Don Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province; Nam Kok Public Park near Mae Fah Luang Bridge, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province; Mae Sai Border Checkpoint No. 1 in Mae Sai Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province; and the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province.
These centers aim to disseminate environmental quality information, provide guidance on water use for consumption and agriculture, and address complaints and concerns from local residents. Additionally, the Pollution Control Department is consistently preparing educational materials and sharing information through loudspeakers, local media, and its communication channels to ensure that people have access to information and guidelines for self-care.