It was reported that the containers contained a mixture of metal scrap with chemicals, soil, and water.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Eighty-nine containers of hazardous and toxic materials, which arrived in Tanjung Priok seaport, North Jakarta, from England in January have been returned to the UK, an environment affairs ministry official said.
The containers with B3 waste contents were confiscated by Tanjung Priok customs and excise officials in January 2012, said Sudariyono, a deputy of Environmental Law Arrangement of the Environment Ministry, here on Tuesday.
The containers came into Tanjung Priok port in five shipments since November 2011, which were conducted by a company under its initial PT HHS.
It was reported that the containers contained a mixture of metal scrap with chemicals, soil, and water.
Meanwhile, the other 24 containers, originating from Holland, have not been returned yet because no reply has been obtained from that country so far, the official said.
"After all, the containers that had B3 waste should be sent back to the originating countries. We are awaiting a reply from Holland," Sudariyono said.
The results of a laboratory test showed that 113 containers that had metal scrap mixed with chemicals, as imported by PT HHS from England and Holland, were harmful to the environment and health.
The containers, among other things, had zinc, lead, sulphide, arsenic, and chromium with high concentration.
"A panel of judges will use the results of the laboratory test as evidence to return the B3 waste to the originating countries and also for prosecution against the perpetrators due to whom the B3 waste entered the Indonesian territory," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
