Mobile lab to test ETP waste of Dhaka garment factories
A mobile testing laboratory for waste water and sludge generated by effluent treatment plants in the readymade garment (RMG) factories was inaugurated in the capital yesterday, aiming to help reduce pollution.
The laboratory is equipped with sampling and measuring instruments and accessories and offers on-the-spot testing and sampling services for washing, dyeing and finishing plants in the RMG sector.
During the inauguration of the lab, the keys to the vehicle were handed over to Bratin Roy, vice president, TÜV SÜD Bangladesh, by Deputy Head of the Embassy of Germany in Dhaka Dr Ferdinand von Weyhe.
TÜV SÜD Bangladesh is wholly owned subsidiary of the TÜV SÜD Group, a leading certification, testing, auditing, inspection and training organisation.
Md Muslehuddin, deputy chief (planning) of the planning ministry, factory owners and representatives from garment buyers and service providers were present.
Dr von Weyhe said consumers in Europe "do care about the environmental conditions" under which RMG was produced in Bangladesh.
With the help of this testing van, waste water can be controlled, thus providing a scientific basis to further improve water quality. “Investment in environment can pay off. By the way, I'm looking forward to that day, when children can swim in clean water - next to a RMG factory,” Weyhe said.
Dr Jochen Weikert, programme coordinator of Germany's cooperation agency GIZ, said some of the smaller garment factories might have effluent treatment plants in operation, but they lacked the instruments they needed in order to constantly control the treated water.
“With this mobile testing service, we specifically serve the smaller and medium-sized factories so that they can make sure their waste water does not pollute the environment. Thus, the mobile laboratory is one step more towards a sustainable garment industry in Bangladesh, from which businesses, environment and people will benefit.”
With its technician and waste water expert team, the mobile laboratory will enable clients to take advantage of quality services at an affordable price.
The testing facility provides on-site sampling, testing, calibration of factory meters, and monitoring of environmental parameters, said a press release.
Using this information, factories of Dhaka can improve the effectiveness of their ETPs, which is required law. This international standard service is available to all the textile factories in Bangladesh.
The concept of the mobile testing laboratory was developed within the framework of a develoPPP.de project, which is implemented by a Bangladesh-Germany joint project.
The Department of Environment (DoE) will review the outcomes of the testing and the findings of the project because it provides the regulatory framework for waste water and sludge testing and disposal.
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