Busa Still Polluting The River, DKI LH Service Starts Installing Nozzle Sprays And Floating Nets

JAKARTA The DKI Jakarta Environment Agency (LH) will hold a foam management simulation at the Wier 3 Water Gate, East Flood Canal (BKT).

Head of the DKI Jakarta Environment Agency, Asep Kuswanto, said that this activity was an effort to tackle river water pollution from industrial waste to households.

Bearing in mind, until now foam is often found that pollutes rivers. The drowsiness of pollutants in the area has exceeded the environmental quality standard.

"DLH together with BPBD, the Water Resources Service, and the Fire and Rescue Service will collaborate to accelerate the recovery of river water quality," Asep said in his statement, Monday, August 11.

According to Asep, foam is formed due to high organic pollution as indicated by the value of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

In addition, household waste, especially soap and detergents that contain synthetic surfactants, is the main cause.

"Tourbulent conditions at the floodgates due to different surface elevations make the air stuck in the water, thus increasing and maintaining foam," explained Asep.

In the simulation, the team will use a nozzle spray that mixes water with a surfactant-resolved microorganism liquid like EM4, which is more biodegradable to speed up foam-breaking.

The Department of Environment will also install floating nets to localize the distribution. "A number of motorized rubber boats will be alerted inside and outside the net area to support the mobility of officers in the field," said Asep.

On that occasion, Asep emphasized that violations of environmental management could be subject to criminal sanctions based on DKI Jakarta Regional Regulation Number 8 of 2007 concerning Public Order, with the threat of imprisonment of 10 to 90 days or a fine of between Rp. 100 thousand to Rp. 30 million.

In addition, according to Governor Regulation Number 122 of 2005 concerning Domestic Waste Water, violators can also be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of revocation of business licenses and sealing of buildings.

"This year we focus on building a business in the SPPL category, starting from the Ciliwung watershed (DAS) as a pilot project for strengthening environmental management from upstream," he said.