Site assessment and remediation plan for lead contamination from mining activity; Klity, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

During 1967-1997, lead mining and ore dressing plant had been operating in the remote area of Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The activities caused lead contamination covered area approximately 1,000 x 1,000 m2. Mine tailing was released into Klity creek located near the plant causing contamination approximately 27 km down steam. The contamination effect about 200 tribal villagers who lives 11 km down steam. In 1998, the Department of Mineral Resources ordered the closure of the company. After closure, monitoring results indicated that lead contamination in the creek was higher than standard. Authorities have advised villagers to stop consuming water, fish, and aquatic animals from the creek while letting the creek naturally rehabilitate. Villagers claimed that they suffered from the symptoms of chronic lead poisoning and some children have birth defects and mental disability. These villagers have filed lawsuits against the mining company and the government. In 2013, court ordered Thailand's Pollution Control Department (PCD) to develop rehabilitation plan and clean up the creek. This study is part of the remediation project. The objective is to assess lead contamination and develop the remediation plan of old ore dressing plant area. (author)