A JOHOR-BASED environmental non-governmental organisation is appealing to the state government to compel the developer of a sewage treatment plant in Kampung Pasir, here, to conduct an environmental impact study to ascertain the viability of the project to be carried out next to a residential area.
The Green Earth Society (GES) also wants a public dialogue of the project to be held by inviting stake-holders, including residents of the village.
Its chairman, P. Sivakumar, said this is because most residents are kept in the dark about the project, and that many are worried about its negative impact.
“No one would like to see a huge sewage treatment plant to be built in their backyard.
“With so few details made available, no wonder the villagers are upset about the project, and question any possible health hazards and environmental problems which may arise.
“More importantly, they are worried that the sewage plant project will bring down their property value and chase away existing tenants,” he told Streets here, recently.
The sewage plant is expected to be built on a 8.9ha site by the banks of Sungai Skudai in Kampung Pasir.
The project was proposed by the Energy, Water and Communication Ministry (now the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry) in 2008.
The plant will have four oxidation ponds, each capable of serving 400,000 PE (population equivalent).
A 50m buffer zone will separate the plant from the village and some squatter homes will be demolished to make way for the project.
It is learnt the plant will serve the mammoth luxury housing and commercial projects being built in Danga Bay.
Sivakumar said what is critical now is to find out the acceptance level of the project among the villagers.
He said there is no point to proceed with the project if more than two-thirds of the villagers are against it.
“In the event that the villagers support the project, GES opines that the 50m buffer zone is too narrow, and should preferably be expanded to at least 200m.
“There must have enough details about the buffer zone to ensure it will not impact the environment.
“We also want the plant developer to give their maintenance assurance, otherwise the place may emit foul odour and affect the livelihood of the residents,” he added.