KUANTAN: Approval from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) is key to deciding the fate of the proposed permanent disposal facility (PDF) for Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd at Bukit Ketam, near here.
Preliminary studies on the suitability of the Bukit Ketam site were carried out and will be submitted by Lynas to AELB, in advance of a site visit by a technical committee.
A source involved in the studies said once the visit is carried out, AELB will consent to Lynas conducting a more in-depth study on the proposed site.
"Once the detailed report is compiled and completed, it will be submitted to AELB. Once AELB gives the approval, work on the construction of the PDF can commence. The detailed report will require topography, geology, hydrogeology and geo-technics (geotechnical engineering) screening criteria to be met.
"Consultants will be engaged to study the PDF design, conduct Radiological Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment and Health Impact Assessment. The detailed study covers the safety and health aspects involving the public and environment... it will include the construction period and also after the PDF is completed (post closure)," said the source.
The source added that all the studies are carried out by experts in their respective fields who were certified by the Department of Environment (DoE) based on legal provisions, guidelines and international best practices.
Meanwhile, the source addressed allegations that river water or groundwater contamination could occur as a result of the PDF's construction.
"The factors that must be considered include the type and nature of the material which will be disposed of, the topography condition, geology and hydrogeology of the area or proposed disposal site, engineering design, construction and operation until post-operation.
"All these factors will be scrutinised. During the risk assessment, a 'worst case scenario' will be adopted in anticipation of the effects in case of pollution. These studies will be usually done before a proposed landfill is approved for construction... it is not just about determining whether the 'waste water' is permeable or not," said the source.
During the state assembly sitting last week, Semambu assemblyman Lee Chean Chung claimed that a former member of the government's Lynas executive review committee, during his visit to the Bukit Ketam site, had confirmed that the area was within a water catchment area (tributary) that flows to Sungai Riau before reaching Sungai Kuantan, thus raising concerns the PDF might result in the ground water being contaminated.
However, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in his reply said AELB, along with their experts, had conducted checks before deciding on Bukit Ketam as the site, and assured the assembly that the state government will look into the issue again for the sake of the Kuantan people.
Last month, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the AELB has approved the usage of the land for the construction of the PDF, subject to a radiological impact assessment, environmental impact assessment and other relevant assessments by local authorities.