A large illegal dumping site has been discovered in **Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province**, covering an old excavation area of approximately 5 rai. Waste had reportedly been dumped continuously for more than six months, including household waste, industrial waste, and containers containing chemical substances. The water at the site was found to be dark, foul-smelling, and had a **pH level of 5.0**.
Authorities are collecting water samples to test for **heavy metals and other contaminants**, amid concerns that leachate from the waste could affect local water sources and seep into groundwater. Legal action has initially been taken against the landowner, while authorities are investigating the factories responsible for transporting and illegally dumping industrial waste at the site.
The incident highlights the importance of controlling industrial waste throughout the entire process—from the **source and transportation to final disposal**—to prevent illegal dumping and reduce long-term risks to communities and the environment.
Cr. thairath