Ogun Forces Firms to Install Effluent Treatment Plants

• Ogun Forces Firms to Install Effluent Treatment Plants

The Ogun State Government has compelled more than 15 industries across the state to install effective effluent treatment plants to take care of their wastewater.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye, was quoted to have said it was part of the state government’s measures to address pollution and safeguard the environment.

Oyeleye, who stated this at an event to commemorate the 2018 World Water Day, said the state government had become more aggressive in enforcing the obligatory duty of industrial facilities to install ETPs to protect the state’s ground and surface water bodies.

According to him, the release of toxic substances from industrial processes to the environment portends long term effects that can be detrimental to the health of the people.

He added that the state’s status as an industrial hub of the country had made the ministry to be alive to its core responsibility of monitoring the discharge of industries.

Oyeleye said, “Within the last three years, more than 15 industries have been compelled to put in place effluent treatment plants, while several others have had to either expand the capacity of existing ones or reactivate them. Presently, several others are on the verge of full compliance with this requirement.

“The unregulated exploitation of groundwater in the state has serious consequences for the environment, and it has become imperative for the state government to introduce water abstraction regulations for the benefit of the future generations.

“Groundwater is something that we need all over the world. Humans and animals need water in order to survive as our bodies cannot function without it. However, the uncontrolled and unregulated use of groundwater is replete with serious consequences. This becomes imperative for us to safeguard ourselves and children for these consequences.”