Bangkok: The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has launched an investigation into an oil spill at a data center on Rama 9 Road, which occurred during generator testing. The incident, which took place in mid-July, has raised concerns among local residents and businesses due to the persistent odor and potential environmental impacts.
According to Thai News Agency, officials from the PCD inspected the water quality in the area following the diesel fuel spill. Initial reports indicated the presence of oil slicks and a strong smell of diesel fuel inside the drainage pipes near the data center. Affected residents had been experiencing the odor for some time, prompting relevant agencies to investigate the source and cause of the contamination.
Efforts to address the spill involved using trucks to pump out water and sewage from the drainage pipes. This process required multiple steps, including measuring pollution levels and ensuring safe flammability levels before officials could proceed with placing necessary equipment. The use of sandbags and hoses helped prevent further contamination of local waterways.
Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, Director-General of the PCD, disclosed that the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the area is now at zero, a significant decrease from previous measurements. The levels of hydrogen sulfide have also decreased, indicating that the risk of fire has been mitigated.
The company responsible for the data center is accelerating cleanup efforts, utilizing microorganisms to break down the oil without causing environmental harm. The goal is to resolve the situation promptly and alleviate public concerns about the odor.
The oil spill reportedly occurred during generator testing by a subcontractor, as the company had not yet secured permits to operate the generator itself. An oil leak at the gasket led to repeated washing with water, resulting in oil leakage.
Mr. Surin emphasized that the incident should not have occurred due to the expected closed system of operations. The exact amount of oil spilled remains undetermined, necessitating further investigation.
The data center does not currently meet the legal criteria for a pollution source under existing laws, focusing efforts on addressing environmental and public impact. Affected citizens have the option to pursue legal action for damages. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has mandated that the facility complete improvements within seven days, with ongoing air quality monitoring by the PCD.
Mr. Surin addressed public health concerns related to exposure to VOCs, noting that current levels are not considered a nuisance. The PCD plans to collaborate with the Department of Health and experts to assess potential health impacts.
In his commitment to resolving the issue, Mr. Surin engaged with local residents, expressing apologies and ensuring that efforts to clean and secure the area would continue until satisfactory conditions are restored.