SungaiJuru.com

The making of EM Mud Balls with members of JCI Kulim is one of the environment conservation programs initiated by LA21 MPSP and launched by YDP of MPSP Encik Farizan Darus together with MPSP councillors Oon and Soon at the front foyer of Dewan MPSP, Jalan Betek, BM on 4/1/2009. The Program was attended by more than 40 participants of mostly members of JCI Kulim.

MPSP officer Mr Chew Eng Seng gave a short briefing on how to produce EM mud balls. The mud balls are make of EM liquid, rice husk and clay soil (content ratio 3 litre, 1 kilo and 2 kilo). Each cubic meter of EM is capable of producing 2,000 Mud balls with each ball costing less than 4 cents. The process of making mud balls is simple yet meaningful, everybody, regardless of young and old,  and students are encouraged to learn this new skills.

What is EM ??

E.M. is an abbreviation for EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS Microorganisms are tiny units of life that are too small to be seen with the naked eye and they exist everywhere in nature. Microorganisms are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance. They carry out chemical processes that make it possible for all other organisms including humans to live. There are friendly guys of the microbial worlds known as beneficial microorganisms and a not so friendly group called pathogens that are harmful and capable of producing disease, decay and pollution. Learn more here on EM and What is EM?

The EM Mud balls are useful as one of the environmental solutions towards reducing water pollutants and thus improving water quality in our rivers and drains. The fermentation emitted from the mud balls will alleviate or destroy the ammonia nitrogen found in human effluents and sewerage leakages into the water system. These mud balls will be drop at Parit 4 near Desa Damai Bukit Mertajam which is a very seriously polluted waterway. The exercise will be carried out every 4 months.

Any NGOs and groups who are keen to learn on how to make EM Mud Balls can contact Mr Chew Eng Seng of MPSP at +6012 4779330. Here the snapshots of the programme launched by YDP MPSP and photos on how to make EM Mud Balls.

THESE MUD BALLS ARE READY TO BE POURED INTO POLLUTED WATERWAYS

written by tan \\ tags: Add new tag, EM mud balls

I welcomed the visit of Japanese NGOs to Penang who were here to carry out a research study on Penang environmental. One of their schedule visit was focusing on rivers pollution in Penang as well as our activities by Friends of Sungai Juru. The visit was arranged by Tokyo–based Dr Tan Chee Knee, GEIC Project Coordinator of United Nations Universitiy.

Meeting up with Japanese NGO, Dr Kawabe Midori, Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology and Inoue Reiko, PARC Interpeoples’ Corporation, Koike Natsumi, Pacific Asia Resource Center and Dr Tan.

written by tan \\ tags: Japanese NGO

PENANG is confident of rehabilitating its former dead rivers — Sungai Pinang and Sungai Juru — from Class 5 to Class 2 by 2015.

Class 5 has been classified as the most polluted with no marine life while Class 2 is clean enough for people to swim in it.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department director (DID) Hanapi Mohamad Noor said both rivers had been under rehabilitation for the last 10 years. They were under Class 5 and are now at Class Three, a stage allowing fish to survive in the rivers.

“Apart from increasing enforcement against polluters as well as public awareness, the department spends about RM100,000 annually to clean up each river,” he said at an environment awareness programme opening at the Sungai Juru water catchment area in Butterworth recently.

(From left) Bukit Tengah asssemblyman Ong Chin Wen, Penang DOE director Dr Kamarul Najuib Che Ibrahim and Hanapi taking a look at Sungai Juru.

Hanapi said the department was presently preparing a master plan to rehabilitate Sungai Juru at the cost of RM300mil.

He said, although Sungai Pinang’s RM450mil rehabilitation master plan was ready this year, it could not be implemented due to problems in relocating some 200 squatter houses in the area.

“We hope the state government will help settle the squatter problems soon so that we can go ahead with the Sungai Pinang rehabilitation master plan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

“The Sungai Juru master plan affects a smaller number of squatters and we hope to carry it out under the 10th Malaysia Plan,” he said.

He noted the Class 2 status for both rivers could be achieved by 2015, if all recommendations in both master plans, which included the provision of recreational facilities near the riverside, could be fulfilled.

Hanapi also said the department would spend about RM1mil in the next two years to add 100 log booms to trap rubbish in major monsoon drains leading to Sungai Pinang, Sungai Juru and Sungai Prai.

Presently, he said, there were 150 log booms placed at major river mouths throughout the state.

source The Star online 10.11.2008
Remarks : Friends of Sungai Juru welcomes the statements by Penang DID director to continue rehabilitating Sungai Juru and improving its water quality to Class 2 by 2015. However, there are several concerns that we hope the relevant authorities can address it ..

a) Under the 9th Malaysia Plan, Sungai Juru has been allocated RM18 million rehabilitation fund. We would like to know how the fund is being utilised ? It was reported in the press that MRCB environment has been given letter of award to rehabilitate Sungai Juru.

b) Enforcement - General reactions and feedback from public is that enforcement is still lacking. We urge the DOE to come out with more effective enforcement measures. There are culprits who release toxic waste directly into drains which later flows into the river during night time, Have many culprits have been nabbed and charged in court ?

c) Guidelines and supervisions of food courts and workshops by local council of MPSP ie. The MPSP should be strict when comes to license issuance to these outlets and conduct regular checks to ensure that their outlets equipped with FOG / grease trap. As it is, many of these outlets are not complying with these guidelines. Waste with oil pollutants are being released into the drains.

d) IWK sewerage system. It is common knowledge that sewerage waters are leaking into the drain system and still a major source of river pollution in the country.

written by tan \\ tags: Penang rivers pollution

Councillor Johari Kassim said many of the small and medium scale (SME) factories had been operating up to 10 years without licences and certificates of fitness (CF).

“Our objective is not to close down these factories. We just want to legalise their operations and get them to settle their dues to the council,” he said in an interview.

He said the Central Seberang Prai (SPT) district had 90 illegal factories, followed by North Seberang Prai (SPU) with 51 factories and South Seberang Prai (SPS) with nine.

Johari showing photos of illegal factories.

Johari said many factories had also failed to get necessary clearance from the Department of Environment (DOE) as well as the state Fire and Rescue Services Department before applying for CFs for their buildings.

“In SPT, many factories are involved in the processing of rubber, plastic, chemical and wooden products.

“In SPU, there are curry powder producers, coffee bean makers, brick processors and bakeries besides many rice mills, sawmills and feed mills,” he said.

In SPS, he said the illegal factories included a sardine-processing factory, a cloth-dyeing factory and a charcoal-processing factory.

Johari said there was also a foreign chemical factory in Bukit Minyak, Juru, which had been operating illegally since 1997.

“The loss of assessment revenue from these factories is quite substantial,” he said, citing a feedmil which did not pay RM17,000 in assessment over the past 10 years.

Johari said that after he and fellow councillors raised the issue of illegal factories with council president Farizan Darus, an Illegal and Unlicensed Factories Monitoring Ad-hoc Committee was set up in September.

He said the council would inspect the illegal premises in stages, starting with those located in Prai and Bukit Minyak.

The committee, he said, had so far met the owners of nine illegal factories who were given till the end of next month to get their documents.

“We will get the relevant authorities to inspect these premises to ensure they complied with the council’s requirements.

“We will expedite the processing of their CF applications to ensure they are legalised in the shortest time possible,” he said.

Johari said that the council would not hesitate to issue them stop work orders if they failed to meet the deadline.

By DERRICK VINESH
source : The Star online 10.11.2008

Hence, the council as the local government bears the responsibility to regulate and check on these illegal factories to ensure that it will not cause environmental damage and health hazard to the nearby residential areas.

written by tan \\ tags: illegal factories, Seberang Perai

The problem of river pollution is a serious one in Malaysia, where the tendency is to treat rivers like drains. A lot of education is needed to inculcate respect for the rivers and regard them as a national treasure.

The solution is to create a buffer between the river and housing estates. No house should be built along river banks and there should be a river reserve of adequate distance between the houses and the river. There should be heavy penalties for infringements.

The question of illegal sewerage should not arise if housing projects are required to provide proper sewerage systems before a project is approved. Road drainage should be properly connected to a proper system that prevents untreated water being

channelled into rivers. Ideally, deep sewerage is the answer but it depends on its availability.

River management is a complex task and planning is needed to ensure that rivers are kept free of pollution at its source. A good example is Singapore, which succeeded in cleaning up its rivers years ago after careful planning and enforcement so that they are now natural assets and provide recreation for tourists and locals.

Keeping a river clean involves stopping all the sources of pollution. Rivers provide an eco-system for wildlife. There is no

need to destroy their aesthetic quality by concretising them as in parts of Kuala Lumpur until they look like drains. Illegal squatters should be housed away from river banks.

It will not hurt to start a trust fund to protect and regenerate all the rivers that run through the cities because they should be part of any modern city’s landscape. When the public treat their rivers like drains and rubbish disposal channels, it is no wonder they are polluted and germ-ridden.

The once-beautiful sandy beach along Gurney Drive in Penang is now a mud flat. What a shame to still see open drains finishing into the sea and adding to the pollution. If people are serious about conserving their environment, they have to take immediate steps to clean up their act.

Both state and federal governments need to get involved and provide the funding for cleaning up the rivers. It has been a neglected priority.

Polluted rivers and seas are a physical curse to any place and anyone who has visited a place with a polluted and stinking river meandering through it will know what I mean.

Cleaning up the rivers is a worthwhile pursuit for the public. The Government should take the lead or be prepared to fund the NGO doing the job. The sooner the better.

By STEVE OH, Kajang (The Star 6/11/2008).

written by tan \\ tags: illegal factories, Seberang Perai

From on site investigations carried out Sunday morning, 7th September 2008 on the waterways namely Parit Lima surrounding Taman Bukit Minyak area, here are the snapshots and water levels of Parit Lima and Sungai Juru dam :-

a)Despite the heavy rains over night, Taman Bukit Minyak / Taman Bukit Minyak Indah housing schemes are not affected by floods.

b)Water levels at Parit Lima seen rising but no overflows.

c)On site investigations revealed that one of two water pump (located near to KM145 North South Highway) which were installed last year to pump out excessive rains water from Parit Lima into Sungai Juru is functioning !

d)Massive floating rubbish were trapped near Sungai Juru Dam area.

Update view of the Parit Lima water pump house as seen from KM145 North South Highway

View of the water conditions of Sungai Juru as seen from KM145 North South Highway

View of the water level at Parit Lima

Sanpshots on activities - 2 group of scavengers

Vietnamese Girls were seen busy collecting plastic bottles near Sungai Juru Dam area. Massive floating rubbish trapped at Sungai Juru Dam area. A sad reality of our very polluted environment and rivers today but golden opportunities for the hard working Vietnamese girls.

Another local group using sampang to collect plastic bottles for recycle along Sungai Juru ..

A group of foreign construction workers nearby were seen busy catching fish at Parit Lima. (teamwork and creativity leads to good harvest and it is FREE !)

Close up view on type of fish netted - “Ikan Puyu” and “Ikan Telapia”

written by tan \\ tags: Floods in Sungai Juru

YB Chow and his entourage comprising local council - MPSP, Penang DOE and DID officials inspected two areas ie 1) Sungai Juru Dam area near Taman Bukit Minyak dan 2) Sungai Juru - Tok Keramat area near Phase 4 Perai Industrial Area. Friends of Sungai Juru coordinator Tan Chai Liang briefed YB Chow, the officials and media reporters on the four major problems faced by this tidal river, ranging from illegal settlement on river reserves, encroachment on wetlands and mangrove areas along the river banks, serious water pollution from organic and industrial discharge and affluent, sedimentation and silting resulting from land clearing and developments activities at the upstream areas.

Friends of Sungai Juru has also taken the opportunity to hand over of a copy of Memorandum to Penang State Government outlining the problems, recommendations and suggestions on improving Sungai Juru to the Penang State Government.

Our acknowledgement and thanks to Dr Edlic Sathiamurthy, a hydrologist from University Malaysia Terengganu for his views and recommendations on improving Sungai Juru and research paper by Al-Shami S. and others – Effects of pollutionon the diversity and abundance of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Juru river basin.

Here are the snapshots of the visit by YB Chow…

At Sungai Juru Dam Area

At Tok Keramat tidal gate area near phase 4 Perai Ind Area

Close up view of the affluents flowing into Sungai Juru..

written by tan \\ tags: Sungai Juru

By:
Dr. Edlic Sathiamurthy (Hydrologist)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
Date : 5th August 2008

Regarding the pollution problem of Sungai Juru

Sources of pollutants are mainly from domestic sewage and agricultural runoff. My recent studied and past studies by other researchers discovered that organic pollutants are the main cause of the low water quality of this river.

This river generally has low dissolved oxygen levels corresponding to high BOD levels. These are very good indicators of water pollution.

As far as industrial waste, apparently heavy metals levels in Sungai Juru are not alarming. However, further studies on the accumulation of such pollutants in river and estuarine sediments are required.

Studies done have shown that SMI (small and medium industries) are main polluters compared to multi national companies. This could be due to the fact MNCs are more readily to abide by environmental standards than SMIs. Adherence to environmental standards requires capital on the producers’ side and enforcement on the authorities’ side. SMIs may not have the capital to install cleaner production technology compared to MNCs. The enforcement of environmental standards may be lacking on SMIs and some SMIs may not even be operating legally.

On a macro scale, government policies in themselves do incorporate environmental conservation and quality of life improvement. However, this has not been rigorously carried out since these ideas were conceptualized in Penang government plans in the early 1990s.

Hence, I would like to forward some important lessons learned and recommendations from my recent research entitled:

“Institutional Policies and their Implications on Land Use Change and the Environment: Lessons learned from Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia”

Lessons learned

The Seberang Perai experience over almost four decades has a number of lessons that is worthy of attention. First, it clearly point out that institutional policies are very powerful instruments of land use change and they can directly impact the environment. Economic progress is necessary but it needs not to be a necessary ‘evil’ that sacrifices environmental health. The PSDP 1, PSDP 2, PSP 2020 and NCER development policies have clearly stated aim on achieving sustainable growth that balances economic growth with social and environmental well being. Perplexedly, environmental degradation continued through PSDP 1, PSDP 2 and now into the early stage of PSP 2020 despite standing policies and many environmental reports. This is apathy towards the environment in the passion to achieve economic prominence. Malaysian environmental laws, planning act and standards are well in place, however conscientious and effective enforcement is an issue that needs examination. The public and industries themselves require some form of ‘soul searching’ as they are the main source of pollution for decades. Hence, change of attitude is a key ingredient to ensure sustainable growth. This change of attitude cannot be induced by policies alone rather it needs to originate from within individuals because at end it is individuals who will make a difference collectively.

Second, there are signs of greater government and public awareness. On the part of Penang’s government, PSP 2020 has lay out stronger key development aspect. Land use development up to 2020 will focus on existing and identified development areas. Thus, development will be controlled and integrated with environmental concern. Three concepts of environmental conservation are integrated, i.e. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) and Biodiversity Plan. Basically, under these concepts, the environment would be treated as a whole system linked to socio-economic systems through chains of causation. However, how far this will be implemented is yet to be seen. It should be noted that ICZM has been mentioned as part of environmental conservation efforts as early as 1991 in PSDP 1 and yet the coastal zones are still polluted.

One important aspect of PSP 2020 is that Penang’s economy will be transformed from a manufacturing economy to more ‘cleaner’ knowledge economy. This implies that new production process would become less polluting. However, it is not clear how this policy will impact existing manufacturing processes.

Public awareness level has risen mainly through campaigns by non governmental organizations supported by the government. However, the level of awareness is still low among the whole population. NGOs like Friends of Juru River and Water Watch Penang have managed to involve the public in environmental conservation efforts with some measure of success (Friends of Sungai Juru, 2008; Water Watch Penang, 2008). Water Watch Penang (WWP) activities have the support of Penang’s Chief Minister. The Chief Minister participated in some of WWP water resource conservation activities such as the World Water Day celebration. This is an important link between the government, NGOs and public which must be reinforced.

Third, the level of public and industry awareness has to be raised further. A more effective public, NGO, academia and industry participation in government policy making is required. This can be achieved through measures such as follows.

Detailed information regarding development plans should be more accessible to the public and academia. Development plan should be exposed in mass media and through public exhibitions in town and village halls. At present, such exhibition is limited to cities and government offices which make it obscure to the general public.

The public, NGO and academia should be involved in decision making. Their participation should not be limited to just giving suggestions and making protests rather there should be mechanism that empower them to be an effective part of decision making. NGOs such as residential associations are important and must be included in planning process and awareness campaign. It is through residential associations that the message could reach grass roots level. In short, the opinions and concerns of the public, NGOs and academia must be treated as worthy of modifying policies and have legal ramifications. This would make the public and policy planners feel accountable and hence could reduce apathy.

There must be also an open dialogue between the public, NGOs, academia, government and industries during the initial stages of policy development. This is to ensure the feedbacks from interested parties are taken into account.

Fourth, employ IRBM and ICZM concept purposely. They should not remain as words. These concepts require the involvement of all stake holders, i.e. NGOs, residential associations, universities (expert opinion), industry. Better development and conservation plans could be made and implemented effective if it involve all parties. Each opinion and suggestion counts. For example, the fishermen of Juru estuary had suffered in the past and they are still suffering economically as a result of river pollution. There is no mechanism that ensures their voice is being heard by the industries and residents of Juru River basin. Legal and moral accountability plus a long term solution is needed. A combination of apathy and ignorance will perpetuate the socio-economic impact of environmental degradation on those who depends on the well being of the environment for their livelihood.

Implementation of IRBM and ICZM also requires greater inter-governmental cooperation between federal and state level departments and agencies. Fragmented laws, institutions and unclear jurisdiction have become an obstruction to sustainable resource development and management. Hence, a panel of government departments and agencies is needed to create better cooperation and consultation. At present, the municipal council has the greatest authority in making decisions that would affect local land use. For long term purpose, this authority needs to be shifted to a river basin authority that is empowered to coordinate and integrate activities within a river basin presently conducted under of various departments and agencies. At national level, state-federal government relation with regards to water and land resources need to reviewed to ensure management efficiency. Water and land resources currently are under state jurisdiction.

Another important aspect of environmental conservation is the establishment of environmental baseline database. This requires better air, water and marine monitoring network and a decision support system or DSS. Presently, there are only two continuous air monitoring stations in Seberang Perai. Continuous water quality monitoring is confined to Perai River only when River Juru which is even more polluted does not have any stations. Thus, more stations are needed.

The baseline environmental database should be part of a DSS that is integrated with the existing Penang Geographic Information System or PeGIS. The DSS-PeGIS set up will provide baseline and also current spatial-environmental data that would aid decision making.

Fifth, a more pronounced environmental impact assessment or EIA component should be incorporated into structural development plans. It is strange that development plans that could cause extensive land use change and long term environmental impact does not have a clear potential environmental impact assessment.

Recommendations:

1- Government through NGOs should set up community dialogue group instead of just public awareness campaign. Dialogue groups will engage people and authorities in direct discussion and solution making. This will get people participate in caring for Juru’s environment.

2- Value public opinions by empowering residential associations with certain powers to make decisions that benefit their immediate community. MPSP can play the role of regulating such associations.

3- Set up public-industrial-academia and industries panel to find better solutions to environmental problems. All stakeholders must be involved.

4- Employ economic incentives for SMIs to clean up their production. Get unlicensed SMIs registered and shut down those who refuses to register.

5- Set-up a continuous water quality monitoring station for Juru River basin. Baseline data are very important for good policy and decision making. There is no such station presently.

Regarding flood problem of Sungai Juru

Sungai Juru flood problems are a combination of several factors. Some are beyond human control but others are not. The main factors are:

Natural factors – beyond human control

1- Juru river is a tidal river. Tidal intrusion can reach up to upper Sungai Rambai. High tide coinciding with high river flow will result in overflows. Parit 4 and Sungai Rambai in the past flood events had overflowed its banks causing severe floods.
2- Extreme rainfall event. Northwestern states of Peninsular Malaysia are influenced by typhoon events off the coast of Vietnam and also in the Bay of Bengal. Such events would bring very heavy rainfalls that result in high river flows.

Human factor – within our control

1- Floods in Sungai Juru are aggravated by high surface runoffs from urban areas. Juru River Basin especially Rambai Valley is a very developed area. New development areas in Alma and Bandar Perda will contribute higher flows due to its urban surface. Land development is something which can be regulated and managed.

Recommendations:

1- A long term solution requires a more refined land development plan. The local structural plan should seriously pay attention to managing surface runoffs. There is not enough emphasis on flood mitigation and prevention in government plans.

2- Further development into the paddy fields of Permatang Pauh should be halted. These areas are very important flood retention areas.

3- Further encroachment into the wetlands of Sungai Rambai should be stopped. These wetlands help to reduce peak flows.

4- Control at source measures should be implemented on all urban areas. Measures such rainfall harvesting and reuse can help to reduce surface runoffs.

5- Development in the Kilang Ubi sub-basin should be controlled by reducing the density of paved surfaces and increase high infiltration zones (green areas). Employ urban garden or garden city concept.

My past research on Sungai Juru

• Refereed Articles in Journals/Books
o Sathiamurthy, E. and Chan, N.W. (2006). Hydrodynamic behaviour change at Rambai River Outlet, Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysian Journal of Environmental Management, UKM, 7, 59 – 75.
o Sathiamurthy, E. (2005). The hydrological impact of future urbanization in the Rambai River valley, Penang Malaysia, Journal of Physical Science, USM, 16, 87 – 102

• Research Papers Accepted for Publications (Refereed journals)
o Sathiamurthy, E. (2008). Institutional policies and their implications on land use change and the environment: lessons learned from Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia. The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability, Common Ground (United States) , (in press).
o Sathiamurthy, E., Goh, K.C. and Chan, N.W. (2008). Loss of storage areas due to future urbanization at Upper Rambai River and its hydrological impact on Rambai Valley, Penang, Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Physical Science, USM, (in press).

• Proceeding of Conference/Seminar/Workshop
o Sathiamurthy, E. and Chan, N.W. (2005). Hydrodynamic behaviour change due to channel modification at Rambai River outlet, Juru River Basin, Penang. Environmental Management 2005 (Proceedings of the National Seminar on Environmental Management 2005 held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 4-5 July 2005), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 15-27

• Book of Abstract of Conference/Seminar/Workshop (Paper presented and keynote address)
o Sathiamurthy, E. (2008). Effect of potential sea level rise on the hydrodynamic behaviour of tidal rivers. Paper presented at the IOC-WESTPAC 7th International Scientific Symposium, 21-25 May 2008, Kota Kinabalu
o Sathiamurthy, E. and Chan, N.W. (2005). The application of GPS and remote sensing technology in hydrological modeling of a coastal floodplain: A case study of Rambai Valley, Penang. Paper presented at the 4th Malaysian Remote Sensing and GIS Conference and Exhibition, 5-6 April 2005, Kuala Lumpur
o Sathiamurthy, E. and Goh, K.C. (2001). Hydrological modeling of coastal floodplain on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia: A case study of the Juru River Basin, Penang. Paper presented at the SEAGA 6, 2001 International Conference: Southeast Asia’s Quality of Life in the New Millennium, 12-15 November 2001, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi

• Unpublished Reports/Articles
o Points to Ponder (a presentation on the flood issues of Rambai River, Penang), Commonwealth Geographical Bureau’s Workshop on Human Consequences of Climate Change - 16 June 2005
o Impact of Land Cover Changes in Rambai Valley, Penang – 12 September (FRGS USM and NTU, Singapore)

written by admin \\ tags: Juru river pollution

Memorandum

KEPADA : 1)YB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow,
Ahli EXCO Kerajaan Tempatan,Pengurusan Lalulintas dan Alam
Sekitar, Negeri Pulau Pinang
2) YB Tuan Law Choo Kiang
Ahli EXCO Pertanian, Industri Asas Tani, Kerajaan Luar Bandar
dan Tebatan Banjir Negeri
DARIPADA : Friends of Sungai Juru/Rukun Tetangga Tmn Bkt Minyak
www.sungaijuru.com
TARIKH :7hb Ogos 2008

PERKARA : PEMULIHAN SUNGAI JURU

LATARBELAKANG

1.Sungai Juru adalah merupakan satu sungai yang paling tercemar dan kotor di Negeri Pulau Pinang .
2.Lembangan Sungai Juru mempunyai keluasan 54.6 km perseqi di Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah dan merangkumi 3 kawasan Parlimen iaitu Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam dan Batu Kawan .
3. Kualiti air sungai Juru adalah di antara kelas 3 hingga 4, mencerminkan kualiti air Sungai Juru adalah dalam keadaan tercemar.
4. Nelayan di Kuala Sungai Juru dilaporkan mengalami kekurangan tangkapan ikan dan kerang. Pencemaran air sungai telah memberi kesan negatif terhadap ternakan akuakultur di muara Sungai Juru.
5.Selain daripada masalah pencemaran , penduduk di beberapa taman perumahan di sepanjang Sungai Juru dan bahagian upstream iaitu Sungai Rambai juga mengalami masalah banjir. Di kawasan Bukit Minyak, penduduk merasa kurang selesa dengan alam sekitar yang kotor dan bau busuk berpunca dari air sungai yang tercemar manakala di skim perumahan di kawasan juru seperti Taman Mangga/Taman Pinang dan Taman Sentul, masalah banjir masih merupakan masalah yang perlu diatasi.

MASALAH-MASALAH
1) masalah penempatan setinggan - di atas sepanjang tanah rizab Sungai Juru dan pembinaan rumah-rumah papan secara haram ini tidak mempunyai sistem pembetungan upamanya di Kawasan Tok Keramat. Didapati kebanyakan penghuni /pekerja asing menduduki rumah setinggan tersebut disebabkan ianya berdekatan dengan kawasan perkilangan Perai.
2) Masalah “sedimentation /silting’- Pembangunan yang pesat dan pembukaan kawasan baru serta kegiatan menambun tanah untuk projek perumahan besar di bahagian upstream seperti projek Bandar Perda dan di kawasan Bukit Mertajam telah mengakibatkan air berlumpuh (mudflow) mengalir masuk ke dalam parit dan sungai dan seterusnya menyebabkan Sungai Juru menjadi cetek dan mengakibatkan banjir kilat berlaku apabila hujan lebat.
3) Masalah penerokaan tanpa izin (encroachment ) kawasan pertumbuhan pokok bakau (mangrove) dan wetlands di sepanjang Sungai Juru di mana pokok dan tumbuhan bakau di terbang dan semakin berkurangan. Pemeliharaan Kawasan pertumbuhan pokok bakau dan wetlands untuk jangka panjang boleh berfungsi sebagai benteng semula jadi terhadap masalah mendap.
4) Masalah pembuangan affluent dan sisa pepejal oleh pengusaha kilang terutamanya kilang sederhana dan kecil, pusat makanan, bengkel di kawasan lembangan Sungai Juru dan pelepasan air kumbahan dari skim perumahan yang sedia ada.
5) Masalah kos rawatan pemulihan yang tinggi. Mengikut satu lapuran, kos pemulihan untuk 17 buah sungai tercemar di dalam Negara ini memerlukan kewangan sebanyak RM2 billion atau lebih kurang RM117 juta untuk sebuah sungai tercemar. Peruntukan yang tidak mencukupi atau tidak mengikut keperluan tidak akan menyelesaikan masalah pencemaran sungai. Peruntukan kewangan untuk pemulihan Sungai Juru di bawah RM ke 9 adalah RM18 juta dan masih belum dilaksanakan.

CADANGAN DAN SARANAN
1.Mewujudkan satu stesyen pemantauan kualiti air bagi Sungai Juru untuk mendapatkan data dan indek pencemaran air Sungai Juru untuk tujuan pemantauan dan perancangan pengawalan.
2.Melaksanakan dasar-dasar dan garispanduan Rancangan Struktur Negeri Pulau Pinang 2005 – 2020 (Lampiran A) selaras dengan sasaran untuk memulihkan Sungai Juru dan meningkatkan kualiti air ke tahap kelas ke II.
3. Menjadikan kawasan rizab sungai sebagai kawasan sentitif alam sekitar dan “green corridor” dan diberi perlindungan dan pemeliharaan kepada pertumbuhan mangrove dan wetlands yang sedia ada di sepanjang Sungai Juru. Mengkaji dari segi perundangan samada kawasan rizab sungai boleh diwartakan sebagai kawasan larangan penempatan dan bebas dari sebarang penerokaan.
4. Pengawalan dan penguatkuasaan yang lebih berkesan untuk mengatasi masalah penempatan setinggan dan masalah pembuangan affluent dari kilang, pusat makanan, bengkel dan pelepasan air kumbahan dari perumahan dan perkampungan yang sedia ada.
5. Pemberian insentif - Untuk memberi galakkan kepada semua pengusaha kilang kecil dan sederhana, bengkel mematuhi piawaian penjagaan alam sekitar dalam pengurusan pembuangan sisa dan affluents , kerajaan negeri perlu merangka satu skim bantuan atau insentif kepada pengusaha kilang yang yang terlibat untuk berdaftar dengan kerajaan negeri dan seterusnya membantu “legalised” aktiviti perkilangan mereka seperti yang dilakukan oleh kerajaan Selangor.
6.Membuat penilaian dan pemeriksaan berjadual terhadap sistem dan kapasiti pembetungan /pusat logi kumbahan bagi skim-skim perumahan yang sedia ada yang diuruskan oleh IWK. Mengikut satu lapuran, 91% daripada pollutant organik di dalam sungai dalam negara ini adalah berpunca dari hasil dari pembuangan manusia dan penggunaan sistem pembentungan /kumbahan (sewerage treatment plant) yang kurang effisen.
7. Membentuk satu pasukan tindakan (task force) dengan mengambilkira input dan pandangan pakar akademik, badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGOs) untuk meneliti, mengkaji isu pencemaran sungai dan merangka satu pelan tindakan.
8. Mengkaji penggunaan effective micro-organisms(EM) dan technology baru untuk memulihkan Sungai Juru.
9.Selain daripada langkah-langkah berbentuk “ damage control “ seperti pembinaan rumah pump dan projek tabatan banjir di beberapa lokasi di Sungai Rambai dan Sungai Juru, kerajaan perlu mengkaji dan merancang untuk wujudkan kawasan tadahan serta pembinaan “river diversion canal” di bahagian upstream kawasan Permatang Rawa dekat dengan Bandar Perda untuk mengatasi masalah banjir di kawasan Sungai Rambai dengan lebih berkesan.
10. Mengkaji dengan mendalam saranan-saranan yang dikemukakan oleh Dr Edlic Sathiamurthy, seorang akademia yang telah banyak membuat penyelidikan terhadap Sungai Juru ( Rujuk Lamapiran 1) dan mengambilkira kajian kesan pencemaran oleh Al Shami S. & lain-lain (Rujuk Lampiran 2).
Penghargaan
1.Dr. Edlic Sathiamurthy (Hydrologist)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING SUNGAI JURU ( Lampiran 1)
2.Al-Shami S. & others, pelajar PhD USM
Kertas Kajian – Effects of pollution on the diversity and abundance of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Juru river Basin ( Lampiran 2)

3. Dr Tan Chun Knee, PhD
GEIC Coordinator
UNU Global Environment Information Centre
United Nations University
Tokyo Japan www.geic.or.jp
For providing us CDs and reference books material on environmental management.

written by admin

Date 5/7/2008
Time 10.00 am - 11.00 am
Weather : bright sunny day. no rain for past 24 hours.

Conducted By Friends of Sungai Juru
Contact 012-4285453
Crew Size : 2 persons

Here are the results of the water testing ;

Sungai Juru Dam area near Tmn Bkt Minyak
Physical monitoring
Colour and appearance – slightly murky
Smell – smelly
Vegetation – bushes / field grass
Animals – Nil
Activities – human settlement area, housing / construction going on nearby

Chemical monitoring
Variables
PH - 7
Dissolved oxygen (DO) – 8 ppm
Turbidity – 40 JTU
Phosphate – 4 ppm
Nitrate – 5 ppm
Temperature – 28 C
Coliform bacteria - positive

Photograph showing the water testing site.
(to the back is the construction site of the new DID district office)

Parit 4, Bukit Tengah Industrial Area in front of Sky Resources and Petronas

Physical monitoring
Colour and appearance – murky with oilly patches on water surface
Smell – strong smell of grease and oil
Vegetation – bushes / field grass
Animals – Nil
Activities – factories area and eateries and workshops at upstream

Chemical monitoring
Variables
PH - 7
Dissolved oxygen (DO) – 0 ppm
Turbidity – 100 JTU
Phosphate – 4 ppm
Nitrate – 5 ppm
Temperature – 28 C
Coliform bacteria - positive

Photographs showing the location of Parit 4, near Sky Resources factory and Petronas in Bukit Tengah Industrial Area.

Close up view of the oilly water surface…

written by tan \\ tags: water health check