Prachin Buri factory probed over e-waste, wastewater

Closure order and charges pending, health checks planned for local residents

A factory in Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri has been found handling electronic waste transported from Chon Buri and discharging wastewater behind its premises, prompting authorities to prepare health checks for nearby residents.

Officials inspected the factory in tambon Bo Thong on Saturday after receiving a tip-off that two trailer trucks suspected of carrying industrial waste had arrived at the site, said Prachin Buri deputy governor Chanathip Khokmanee.

Initial findings indicated that the waste had been transported from Chon Buri. The provincial industry office said it was in the process of ordering the factory to close and would pursue legal action.

During the inspection, officials found electronic waste had already been unloaded from the first truck, while the second remained loaded.

Officials opened the second container and found a large quantity of electronic waste inside.

They also found an electronic-waste sorting operation in which machinery was used to separate plastic from other components before the materials were sold.

Wastewater was also found being discharged into an area behind the factory. Its source and other details had yet to be confirmed and required further investigation.

Mr Chanathip said the wastewater’s appearance suggested the facility had a treatment system that might not meet the required standards.

Health assessments

The provincial public health office was instructed to coordinate with local hospitals to send staff to assess and monitor the health of residents living near the factory.

Mr Chanathip said the factory had applied for a Type 105 licence, which covers the sorting of general waste. However, the materials found at the site were hazardous industrial waste and did not fall within the scope of the licence, he said.

The factory was also reported to be smelting waste without a licence.

The provincial industry office had been instructed to pursue all relevant charges, Mr Chanathip said.

He said responsibility for regulating the factory rested with the Department of Industrial Works, rather than the provincial administration, which did not issue the licence.

The eastern province of Prachin Buri has faced numerous problems of this kind, and official operations have often been met with unsurprised reactions from residents, who say the illegal activities had been going on for a long time and were no secret to locals. 

Related: E-waste alarm in Prachin Buri