JOHOR BARU: Maintenance works on the Petronas Peninsula Gas Utilisation (PGU) pipeline is going on as usual despite the sulphuric acid contamination behind a factory in Taman Desa Cemerlang detected last Thursday (July 28).
Checks today showed that the contractors are still busy completing the maintenance works at the site where sulphuric acid contamination occurred, reportedly traced to a pipe leakage from an electro-plate manufacturing factory on the PGU pipeline that was scheduled for maintenance.
A worker who declined to be named said there is no more spillage of the hazardous substance.
"We initially noticed the effluence gushing from the factory but it has completely dried out since the surprise visit by Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri." he said, adding that Petronas had alerted the ministry when they made the discovery.
The corrosive substance was detected on the 2,500km high pressure gas pipeline, which stretches from Kerteh to Singapore.
Johor Department of Environment director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Saleh, when contacted, said the department has yet to determine the severity of the contamination and its effects on the people living and working there.
Ezanni said there are no new signs of leakage in the affected PGU pipeline maintenance area.
He maintained that the 60-day suspension notice is still active and the factory operator has to use the period to resolve any discrepancies relating to the effluence.
"The effluent discharge system should not be directed towards the existing PGU pipeline.
"We have served the company the notice and their electrical switch box supply has been sealed.
"However, the factory can still carry out remedial works on the effluent leakage; any rectification to their current effluent discharge system should adhere to environmental regulations," he said.