Authorities seized more than 200 tonnes of suspected aluminium dross stored in a warehouse in Muang district of Samut Sakhon province on Friday.
A combined team of officials from the Samut Sakhon industry office, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Pollution Control Department and relevant agencies inspected the warehouse in tambon Na Di of Muang district.
The operate followed complaints from local residents that large quantities of suspicious material believed to be industrial waste had been stored at the site, potentially posing serious risks to public health and the environment.
Samut Sakhon governor Amnart Charoensri assigned senior official Banphot Chantharawong to coordinate with concerned agencies to inspect.
A combined team of officials from the Samut Sakhon industry office and relevant agencies inspect a warehouse in tambon Na Di of Muang district, Samut Sakhon on Friday. (Photo: Samut Sakhon public relations office)
During the inspection, officials found numerous bulk bags filled with greyish-black material stacked across the premises. Piles of a grey dust-like substance were also found outside the building.
Several large holes in the warehouse roof raised concerns that rainwater could wash the material into the surrounding environment. Officials conducting the inspection reported a strong chemical smell that caused noticeable nasal irritation.
Based on the number of bulk bags, the provincial industry office has initially assessed that the material was likely aluminium dross, a byproduct of the aluminium smelting process.
Further investigation found that a metal smelting and casting company had rented the warehouse to store waste residue removed from its furnaces.
The provincial industry office has filed a complaint with police seeking legal action against the company and those involved in renting out the warehouse.
The charges were removal of waste or unused materials from factory premises without permission and the unauthorised possession of Type 3 hazardous substances.
Officials inspect piles of a grey dust-like substance found outside a warehouse in Samut Sakhon. (Photo: Samut Sakhon public relations office)