Levels of air-pollution in Salmiya might increase soon due to the hydro-sulfuric gas emissions from the overflowing drainage systems in the area, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily quoting sources. Due to the Misref sewage plant breakdown, some basements in the area are flooded.  Several flood control operations were conducted along Al-Ta’awon Street Monday evening, but such efforts went in vain as the pumps failed to control the flood, sources explained. Director of Environment Public Authority (EPA) Dr Salah Al-Mudhi clarified a foul smell pervaded Salmiya because it is one of the lowest areas, resulting in the overflowing of the drainage system and flooding of some basements. Al-Mudhi confirmed the concerned authorities, including the Ministry of Public Works, pumped chemical substances to treat the drainage water, eliminate the foul odor and poisonous gases, and transport the water to Ardiya or Rigga plants to protect the health of residents.

Campaigns
Asked about the campaigns launched by EPA, Al-Mudhi disclosed the authority found about 40 restaurants that violated sanitation rules in Salmiya.  He affirmed EPA is keen on addressing the issue and it will refer all those found to have violated the law for investigation. The visiting Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Salah Al-Mudhi asserted Thursday the importance of mutual cooperation between his administration and the United Nations program on the environment, including the implementations of previously signed agreements and programs with Kuwait. Earlier, Al-Mudhi held a coordination meeting with the UN Regional Director on environment program Habib Al-Habur along with other officials from the UN program. The meeting highlighted bilateral relations between the two sides and ways to bolster them, Al-Mudhi told KUNA. The meeting also discussed Arab coordination with regard to signed agreements on climate change and the importance of unifying efforts prior to the Copenhagen conference next December, Al-Mudhi added.

Issues
The Kuwaiti official noted that during the meeting officials highlighted a topic concerning the need to employ UN experts and specialists to help EPA prepare a written report on the agreements and issues like Climate Change, Desertification, and the Basel agreement. The Municipality plays an important role in the preservation of the environment, through placing environmental regulations and conditions for urban development projects, an official said on Thursday. Speaking to KUNA, Director of Kuwait Municipality’s Environmental Affairs Department Eng. Nasser Al-Shayji said that the department placed environmental policies related to municipal activities and the executive procedures of relevance. The department is the Municipality’s environmental arm, and it is responsible for making sure that all environmental conditions are met in development projects, he explained. Moreover, Al-Shayji said that the department placed an approved strategy for the development and improvement of waste management, such that to further contribute to environmental protection. The Environmental Affairs Department also inspects waste dumps and allocates suitable sites, he added.

Arabtimes