AIR AND WATER POLLUTION

In Brunei Darussalam

Some Facts and Figures

Located on the north cost of the island of Borneo

Surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia

Population of 408,786 as at June 2012 Classified as a ‘developing country’

Towards Environmental Sustainability

A Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRE) was established in July 2002 to oversee preservation of the environment10th National Development Plan , much emphasis on working towards a quality of life based on consideration of environmental factors

In line with Vision 2035 for higher standards of living and per capita income to be within top 10 countries worldwide

JASTRE works closely with international organizations to ensure best practices in environmental preservation

Air quality in Brunei Darussalam

Generally good with PSIs below USEPA, EU and WHO guidelines.

In 2012, 356 good air quality days (97%) and 9 moderate air quality days (3%)

From January 2013 to date, Brunei has achieved 294 good air quality days (81%) and 21 moderate air quality days (6%)

Air quality in Brunei Darussalam (2005-2013)

Moderate air quality days attributed to transboundary smoke haze pollution from neighbouring countries (during dry season, June – September)

Localised forests and bush fires and open burning also contribute to impairment of air quality but not a serious problem

Air Quality Monitoring

Air quality monitoring has been implemented and overseen by JASTRE

Air quality monitoring stations located throughout 4 districts

Stations measures particulate matters of sizes 10 microns and 2.5 microns that are expressed in Pollutant Standard Index or PSI

Problems

Open Burning is still rampant, mainly backyard burning in residential and commercial areas

Provision which bans open burning s.277A Penal Code (during prescribed periods)

ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution

Brunei is a party to the Agreement JASTRE is the national focal point with

the National Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Fire and Rescue and the Department of Metereological Services supporting prevention and mitigation of forest fires and smoke haze.

As a country party to the Agreement, Brunei provides regular updates to the ASEAN secretariat

Water Quality in Brunei Darussalam

Rivers generally still in pristine condition

Problems and Challenges

Pollution of Brunei River Worst in Kampong Ayer where residents

directly discharge sewage and sullage water into the river

Estimated 189,000 tonnes of waste generated by Bruneians yearly, that is approximately 1.4kg average waste per capita per person per day.

Solid waste pollution most visible in Kg Ayer. (kitchen garbage and trash, cand, bottles, plastic bags and discarded household goods)

Solid waste pollution in Brunei Bay

Other effects

Indiscriminate dumping of solid waste has also affected the mangrove forests

This has affected fish resources and poses ecological threats

Once the mangrove forests disappear, Brunei will become vulnerable to tsunamis and will no longer provide breeding ground for fish and prawns

What’s been done so far

River water quality monitoring network introduced under 2007-2013 National Development Plan

River quality monitoring stations strategically located in the 4 major rivers, Brunei River, Tutong River, Belait River and Temburong River

Monitoring is done upstream, midstream and in the lower stream of the rivers

The parameters measured and recorded are compiled in a database to monitor river water quality

Sungai Brunei Clean Up Project

Introduced by JASTRE (Dept of Environment, Parks and Recreation) in 2008

Involved collection and disposal of floating waste, waste underneath houses and along the riverbanks

Waste reduction activities and conservation efforts of the Brunei River specifically

Introduction of recycling bins in Kg AyerWaste shredder has been posted at Ayer Bekunchi waste collection centre to shred wood and timbersAwareness programmes introduced in primary schools in Kg Ayer on recycling and proper disposal of waste

Of greater signifance, implementation of sewage treatment and disposal systems in newly built Kg Ayer settlement projects.

In older settlements with no sewage treatment plants, the Government is resettling the residents to lessen the pollution load generated.

At the National Environmental Conference 2012, some alarming statistics were revealed:

1. Brunei’s energy consumption per capita surpassed developed countries like Japan, France and Germany by at least 1300 kilowatts per hour per person

2. Solid waste generation is at 1.4kg of solid waste per person per day

Where we are

3. Brunei also makes about 15.5 tonnes per capita per year in carbon dioxide emissions (UK – 9.1 metric tonnes, Malaysia – 7.1 metric tonnes)

4. Brunei consumes twice the amount of water as Malaysia and 3 times that of Singapore at 450 litres of water per person per day.

Deterioration of the environment was pointed out by the Minister of Development as a ‘pressing issue’.

He expressed concern that careful attention be paid to the appropriate balance between economic growth, effective environmental protection and social progress

The Way Forward?

Environmental Protection and Management Order 2012 , still in draft form

Covers air pollution control, water pollution control, land pollution control, hazardous substances control amongst others

No cases on pollution have come before the courts

Despite no legislation, measures in place to control air and water pollution

Government taking environmental concerns seriously with many initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Development such as education and awareness programmes to promote water conservation, the use of water saving devices in public buildings

Introduction of Green Building initiatives that is hoped will lead to a National Green Building Certification Scheme.

Feasibility study currently being conducted for the development of a treatment and disposal of a hazardous wastes center.

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