TMDL study identifies sources of water quality changes in Hulu Perak

The Perak Department of Environment (JAS) has proposed a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study for the Hulu Perak region. The aim is to identify and map all potential sources contributing to changes in water quality and increased mineral levels in the Sungai Rui.

S. Pravin, a Senior Environmental Control Officer at JAS Perak, stated that the study will provide essential technical data for the state government. This information will enable informed decisions and the development of structured measures to control pollution and manage material loads from their sources.

Pravin emphasized that the study's scope extends beyond mining activities. It will identify all possible sources along the river and the responsible parties or agencies. "We have proposed the TMDL study for Hulu Perak. Through this study, we can map all sources along the river, not just mining activities, and identify the responsible agencies," he said.

The proposal has been briefed to the Perak Water Resources Management Board (LPSA), which is expected to prepare a working paper to secure funding for the study. Pravin noted that the need for this comprehensive assessment also considers similar incidents recorded in 2018 and 2019, which were not fully documented at the time.

Dr. Abdul Rani Abdullah, CEO of Pakar Scieno TW Sdn. Bhd., recommended a thorough audit of mining companies in Hulu Perak to identify weaknesses in water management and waste discharge systems. He stressed the importance of a gap analysis to ensure proper management systems are implemented. "Besides action for non-compliance, monitoring needs to be done via telemetry, meaning in real-time," he added. The Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) Perak indicated that the telemetry system is expected to be completed by the end of the year.