Oil sludge in Sangu River: Environment dept to take legal action against power plant
Plant authorities say sludge escaped during heavy rain, flooding
The Department of Environment is moving to take legal action over water-mixed burnt furnace-oil sludge from the Dohazari-Kaliaish 100 MW Peaking Power Plant in Satkania allegedly flowing through a canal into the Sangu River.
The department inspected the power plant and affected areas and collected water samples, which have been sent to its regional office for further action, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, Chattogram District Office, Md Mozahidur Rahman, told TBS.
"We instructed the authorities to stop polluted water from leaving the plant, and they have done so. A notice has also been issued," he said.
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Mozahidur said the matter was under the department's enforcement process and further legal action would be taken by its regional office.
During a recent visit to Moillya canal in Kaliaish union, black oily sludge was seen covering parts of the water and vegetation along its banks. A foul smell was also coming from the water.
Locals alleged that water-mixed burnt furnace-oil sludge stored inside the plant entered the canal through drains during rain and flooding. The canal flows about three kilometres before meeting the Sangu River near Chagachar in Maleyabad village.
According to residents and the upazila agriculture office, more than 100 farmers once cultivated around 30 hectares of land along the canal and used its water for irrigation.
Locals said the polluted water can no longer be used for farming.
They also alleged that sludge spread to nearby farmland and residential areas during floods in July.
Residents held a human chain on 12 September and later submitted a written complaint to the plant manager.
Following the complaints, the plant authorities began removing oily waste from the canal using an excavator and workers.
Plant Manager and Supervising Engineer Md Abdul Mannan said some water-mixed furnace-oil sludge stored at the plant entered the canal through drains because of heavy rain and floodwater.
He said around 4,00,000 litres of sludge are currently stored at the plant and steps have been taken to remove it through auction within a month.
"The route carrying water from the oily wastewater treatment plant to the canal has also been closed," he added.
University of Chittagong Professor Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain said removing the waste was a positive step, but measures were needed to prevent untreated waste from reaching canals, rivers or farmland again.
BGC Trust University Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor and river researcher Md Manzoorul Kibria said furnace oil forms a layer on water that can restrict oxygen exchange and sunlight, affecting plankton, aquatic plants, fish and other wildlife.
Kaliaish Union Parishad member Abdul Gafur said cleaning the canal alone would not solve the problem and called for permanent measures to stop waste entering it.
