Industry Minister Suspends Operations at Four Samut Sakhon Recycling Plants Amid Pollution Concerns
PUBLISHED: March 8, 2025, 18:59
The Industry Minister has ordered the suspension of operations at four recycling plants in Samut Sakhon following alarming complaints regarding air and water pollution affecting local salt farms.
Minister Akanat Promphan reported receiving numerous complaints from residents in tambon Nakhok, Muang district, concerning pollution from recycling operations. Locals indicated that the pollution had altered the color of nearby salt fields, causing significant harm to their salt production, a crucial livelihood in the area.
Initial assessments link air pollution to emissions of soot and particles from heavy metal smelting processes at the recycling facilities, along with wastewater leaking into the salt fields. Residents also reported unpleasant odors, particularly during nighttime operations when the furnaces are active.
In response to these concerns, the Industry Ministry dispatched an inspection team to review waste management practices at the sites. Notably, one facility had previously been mandated to cease operations by the local Provincial Court.
Preliminary findings revealed that all plants were in violation of regulations, lacking necessary permits for waste removal and transport. Consequently, the Minister has instructed that legal action will follow if the plants do not address these violations within the next 60 days.
Further investigation uncovered additional infractions, including unauthorized factory operations, inadequate waste disposal practices, unsafe working environments, and illegal dumping of hazardous industrial waste, particularly suspected aluminium dross.
Among the four facilities, two were found to have disposed of over 35,000 tonnes of aluminium dross on their premises. Violations regarding hazardous materials can result in penalties of up to two years in prison and/or fines reaching up to 200,000 baht.
Minister Akanat stated that his ministry is contemplating new regulations or revisions to existing measures aimed at enhancing pollution control for recycling and waste processing operations. These initiatives are designed to safeguard the health of local residents while supporting economic growth.
