PCD estimates 3,800 tonnes of flood waste littering Nan’s Pua district

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has established an operations centre to manage flood-related pollution in the Nan River basin, with Pua district returning to normal and generating an estimated 3,800 tonnes of flood-related waste.

Nan provincial authorities are preparing a four hectare area to accommodate the waste, while aiming to clear all flood refuse within 10 days.

PCD Director General Surin Worakijthamrong revealed that officials conducted urgent surveys of high-risk sites, including waste disposal facilities, wastewater treatment plants and commercial properties across Nan.

The inspection covered eight gas stations, 11 hotels and two shopping malls to ensure fuel storage safety and prevent chemical leaks. Farmers and residents have been advised to move agricultural chemicals and hazardous materials to higher ground.

In Nan Municipality, officials expect a manageable 600 tonnes of flood-related waste, as residents prepared in advance by moving belongings to elevated ground.

The municipality will utilise its 3.2 hectare landfill to handle the refuse, noting that the local wastewater treatment system remains unaffected.

The department is coordinating with relevant agencies to monitor the water discharge rate through the Sirikit Dam, to assess potential downstream flood risk.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Yom River in Sukhothai's Si Satchanalai district are continually decreasing, allowing residents to return home, while the Pa Sak River in Phetchabun's Lom Kao district remains high but has not overflowed.

Surin emphasised that post-flood risks, including stagnant wastewater, accumulated garbage, chemical runoff and oil leaks, require proactive measures.

“The PCD, alongside local natural resource offices and local administrative bodies, plans to host ‘Big Cleaning Day’ activities and roll out systematic recovery measures to restore public health and the environment quickly,” said Surin.