RAYONG - Authorities have ordered the temporary closure of a latex rubber factory for 15 days for discharging untreated waste into a canal, killing many fish and polluting the water source.
Kornpatthavee Muangnoi, chief of Rayong industrial office, said the Unitex Rubber Co factory was also ordered to improve its waste treatment facility during its 15-day closure.
A canal in Klaeng district, Rayong, polluted with discharged waste from the Unitex Rubber Co's latex factory. (Photo by Jumphol Nikomruk)
Action would also be taken against executives of the factory for releasing waste into a public canal in tambon Thang Kwian, causing a huge number of fish deaths.
The move follows complaints from nearby residents that the factory had dumped toxic waste into the canal, causing a foul smell and killing the aquatic life.
Witthaya Chayanont, Klaeng district chief, ordered local officials to inspect the factory on Monday.
They confirmed the factory, which purchased 50 tonnes of latex a day, had illegally discharged untreated waste into the community's water source.