SINGAPORE – A Growing Concern

Residents in the Tengah area were alarmed to find mud-brown water pooling in a temporary canal, which was attributed to significant silt accumulation churned up by intense rainfall during a recent monsoon surge, reported the Public Utilities Board (PUB) on March 31.

The silt not only inundated the temporary canal but has also likely seeped into Jurong Canal and possibly Jurong Lake, one of Singapore's 17 reservoirs. This contamination raises alarm bells about the potential environmental repercussions.

Public Awareness and Wildlife Impact

Nature Society Singapore (NSS) brought this issue to public attention via a Facebook post on March 22, showcasing images of the discolored, silty water at various construction sites in the rapidly developing Tengah estate. The organization flagged this problem, asserting that such silty discharges pose threats to both human infrastructure and wildlife.

Silty water, which is formed when rainwater mixes with exposed soil, can exacerbate the risk of flash floods, as it clogs public drains and reduces water flow, according to PUB. This not only affects utility services but also threatens local ecosystems. Mr. Tony O’Dempsey, a council member of NSS, explained that the muddy water limits the foraging capabilities of aquatic fauna like kingfishers and otters, whose habitats and food sources are compromised.

Contractor Responsibilities and Regulations

Contractors are obligated by PUB regulations to manage and treat silty water effectively before it enters public drainage systems. Reports indicate that PUB was alerted to the silt issue by NSS on March 21, shortly after relentless downpours from March 19 to 21.

Upon investigation, PUB officials found that poorly maintained roadside tables along Tengah Garden Avenue—designated areas often utilized for greenery—exposed raw earth and contributed to silt accumulation in the canal. These roadside tables, still under construction, should have had their exposed soil properly covered to prevent such environmental issues.

Mitigation Measures and Enforcement Actions

PUB is actively addressing the crisis by coordinating with responsible contractors to mitigate further silt discharge and carry out necessary desilting in the affected canal. Mr. Maurice Neo, director of PUB's catchment and waterways department, warned that enforcement actions would be taken against any contractor failing to comply with established earth control measures.

Those found in breach of the Sewerage and Drainage Act could face hefty fines up to $50,000, and for repeat offenses, this could escalate to $100,000. New regulations require contractors managing construction sites larger than 0.2 hectares to install CCTV systems to monitor treated water discharges into public drains, ensuring compliance and immediate response to any detected silt discharge.

NSS Perspective on the Issue

NSS suggests that many of these siltation issues could stem from negligence, where contractors failed to safeguard soil stockpiles during wet conditions—resulting in soil erosion that overwhelms drainage systems.

The ecological consequences of these incidents are severe, as aquatic life in nearby forested streams, which provide rich biodiversity, faces significant threats during heavy rain events. Such natural waterways are integral for species survival, but they often get choked with siltation, hindering their capacity to thrive.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Mr. O’Dempsey concluded with a call for rigorous monitoring and penalties for non-compliance, highlighting the necessity of integrating strong erosion control measures in environmental management policies.

Residents witnessing silty water discharges are encouraged to report their observations to PUB’s 24-hour helpline at 1800-2255-782, providing locations, pictures, or videos to expedite action against these critical environmental concerns.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops—we'll keep you informed on this pressing issue!