"The Office of the Environmental Affairs Minister does not agree with the idea of flowing the mud into the sea. But, in emergency state, we are forced to accept the plan on condition that the mud must be first processed into normal water," the Minister said following a cabinet meeting at the Presidential office on Friday evening.
The government had earlier allowed PT Lapindo Brantas gas drilling company to build dams within three months to accommodate the hot mud flowing from the company`s gas well, while waiting for the incessant hot mud flow to stop. But, if they fail to stop the mud leakage, the hot mud flow have to directed to the sea through 14-km long pipes.
"However, the mud must first be treated and processed to separate the solid waste so that only normal water is left and allowed to be sent to the sea," the minister said PT Lapindo Brantas has to bear all expenses for the dam construction and the water disposal to the sea, he added. Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Sidoarjo on Friday to see the latest condition in the areas affected by the hot mud disaster. The Head of State said that PT Lapindo Brantas had to be held responsible for the hot mudflow which has started from the company`s gas exploration leakage since May 29.
"PT Lapindo Brantas must be responsible for this disaster," the head of state told thousands of people who were forced to flee their homes due to the hot mud flood inundating their villages. Last Thursday (Aug 10), the dam at Siring village was breached by the hot mud, which inundated hundreds of houses and forced some 5,680 people to evacuate.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 22nd August 2006
Latest Posts
-
IEMA focus on skills, adaptation and nature-based solutions in CCC report
- 18th July 2024 -
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024