Firms asked to open water treatment plants

TANGERANG (JP): Chief of the local Environmental Impact Management Agency M. Harun said on Friday that 72 out of 580 factories still have no water treatment plant, which is required according to existing regulations.

"According to a 1994 ministerial decree issued by the minister of manpower, a water treatment plant is obligatory for all factories, big or small, to monitor and maintain environmental health," Harun told reporters.

"I urge all factories to open their own treatment plants."

Out of the 72 factories, he added, one company -- identified only as PT Tas -- has been considered to have contaminated the environment.

Harun, however, did not give further explanation. (41/ylt)