Again Walhi appeals NTB not to allow submarine tailing placement

The non-governmental organization Walhi has expressed concern over the possibility of the West Nusatenggara (NTB) province allowing the operation of undersea waste dumping ground or submarine tailing placement, Bali Pos reported on Tuesday.

Walhi said on Monday allowing the operation of a submarine tailing ground could not only damage the sea environment but could also harm the life of the people, especially those living near the undersea dumping site.

Commenting on the local government?s plan to collect levy on the submarine tailing placement in the province, Walhi said that the plan to raise money should be reconsidered for the sake of the environment and the life of the people.

NTB recently proposed a ruling allowing the local administration to collect levy from the operation of the undersea tailing placement. But the proposal was turned down by the local legislative council out concern that the policy would cause controversy in the public.

Copper and gold mining company Newmont Nusa Tenggara (NNT) is the only company, which operates an undersea tailing placement in the province. The operation of the undersea dumping ground has caused controversies.

Some support the operation of the undersea tailing ground as long as the company pay the government for every tons of tailings it dump into the sea. Others called on the government to bar any kinds of submarine tailing ground to prevent any damages in the environment. (*)