West Bandung Environmental Agency Identifies Factory Causing Snow-Like Pollution

A mineral processing company on Jalan Bandung-Cianjur, in Gunungmasigit Village, Cipatat District, West Bandung Regency, West Java, has been proven to be a source of air pollution. The pollution caused the visual appearance of the residential area to resemble a snowfall. Based on an investigation by the West Bandung Environmental Agency (DLH KBB), the company is PT Batu Wangi, which was proven not to have a proper emission control system, allowing production dust to escape into the air. The company has been subjected to administrative sanctions, including the obligation to improve environmental documents, reduce production capacity, and install emission control equipment. The Environmental Supervisory Officer for DLH West Bandung Regency, Adhi Setyowibowo, stated that the conclusion of the summons was documented in an official report, requiring the company to create or revise its environmental documents. PT Batu Wangi is also required to revise its environmental documents, prepare Technical Approval for emissions and domestic wastewater, as well as other technical documents in accordance with the authority of the West Bandung Regency Government, and to reduce its calcium carbonate flour production capacity until the emission control system is installed. Adhi noted that while the company is not required to cease operations, it must reduce production capacity until the exhaust system is installed. The installation of the exhaust machine is the primary measure to prevent limestone processing dust from being released into the air. The company has stated it will immediately procure the equipment from Jakarta, and the installation process will be supervised by DLH officers.