Articles
Clean Water for Planet Initiative: WHA Group Delivers Wastewater Management and Treatment Project to Pluak Daeng Sub-district
05/07/2019WHA Group has been operating its business for over 30 years and has continuously played a role in Thailand’s industrial development. With its objective to make sustainable contributions to society, the company has initiated corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in education, healthcare and the environment.
Clean Water for Planet, WHA Group’s CSR initiative for the environment, stems from our long experience and specialization in the industrial sector, as the leader in fully-integrated logistics and industrial facilities solutions. We offer wastewater management services to our clients, for the benefit of neighboring communities, based on the principles of the late H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (King Rama IX), recognized as the initiator of such projects. Furthermore, WHA Group has also extended this program through collaborations with various government agencies and educational institutions. The main objective is to raise awareness, create a better understanding and highlight the importance of water in order to instill a sense of responsibilty among the community members to take care of this precious natural resource.
Clean Water for Planet comprises three key activities: 1) training courses for students and knowledge-sharing with local organizations, in cooperation with Chulalongkorn University 2) learning centers to tackle environment issues within WHA Group’s industrial estates 3) initiatives to provide clean water for local communities. Since its establishment in 2016, the project has been growing progressively.
One of its most outstanding achievements to-date is the newly-completed Wastewater Management and Treatment facility, located close to Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate (ESIE) (Rayong). Acting as a pilot project for other communities, it was recently delivered to Pluak Daeng Sub-district Administrative Organization.
It consists of two constructed wetland systems, considered a natural technology that is eco-friendly, cost-effective and easy to maintain. In the first one, ¾” crushed gravel is laid on the ground to form a 50-cm. thick layer where wastewater from Pluak Daeng communities is collected. Aside from filtering sediments, it also serves as a shelter for bacteria which digests organic elements in the water. It is surrounded by well-selected plants including cat’s tail and birds of paradise that help absorb nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater. The second system uses water hyacinths which oxygenates the wastewater, while reducing nitrogen and phosphorus. This constructed wetland, now completed, has a capacity of 400 cubic meters per day, allowing a reduction of organic compound by 80%.
Delivery of the wastewater management and treatment facility to the Pluak Daeng Sub-district Administrative Organization
Processes of Constructed Wetland System
Water - before and after treatment
WHA was responsible for the engineering and technical aspects, as well as the financial backing for this project. The engineering team will follow up on the system’s progress, share accumulated knowledge and experience, and help train additional Pluak Daeng Administrative Office staff to motivate others to follow suit.
This pilot project will be an initial step to the implementation of other water conservation projects nationwide, with the ultimate goal to raise awareness and to develop a better understanding of environmental care among communities in a sustainable manner.
