Bangkok: The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is actively overseeing the cleanup of oil contamination at the Rama 9 Data Center, ensuring pollutants are intercepted before reaching the canal and conducting follow-up inspections post-cleanup.
According to Thai News Agency, the PCD, in collaboration with the Huai Khwang district, is managing the cleanup of wastewater and oil-contaminated sludge from a data center in the Rama 9 area. The operator has engaged a specialized company to construct drainage pipes, preventing contaminated water from entering the Rama 9 canal, and to extract all cleaning water for treatment. The PCD plans to conduct follow-up tests for volatile organic compounds and safety after the operation concludes.
Dr. Surin Vorakithamrong, Director-General of the PCD, stated that the department, in partnership with the Huai Khwang District Office, is monitoring the treatment and disposal of oil-contaminated wastewater and sludge at the DAMAC Digital Thailand (BKK 01) data center in the Rama 9 area. This action follows an earlier inspection that identified contamination in the company's wastewater holding ponds and external public drainage pipes, posing a potential risk to the Rama 9 Canal. The company enlisted Genco Co., Ltd., specialists in waste treatment, to manage the oil-contaminated waste. Within the company premises, sandbags were employed to contain the contaminated water and sludge, followed by the use of oil-removing chemicals for cleaning. The wastewater was then transported by truck for appropriate treatment and disposal.
Outside the company premises, sandbags were used to block drainage pipes, preventing contaminated water from reaching the Rama IX canal. The pipes were cleaned of oil stains, and the water was extracted for treatment and disposal. Genco assures that all water produced from the cleaning process, both inside and outside the company, undergoes proper treatment and disposal without environmental release.
Dr. Surin mentioned that following the completion of the operation, the Pollution Control Department will perform a follow-up environmental inspection of both the wastewater holding ponds within the company and the external drainage pipes. This inspection will include measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, and the flammability level (LEL) to evaluate residual substances and safety post-cleaning. Continuous monitoring will be maintained to prevent any detrimental effects on the public and the environment.