Harita Nickel, through PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel (HJF), once again conducted a water pollution control drill to enhance the team's preparedness in responding to environmental emergencies. Through this annual exercise, the company reaffirms its commitment to maintaining water quality and complying with environmental management standards in its operational areas.
This drill focused on handling conditions when the water resulting from the treatment process showed parameters outside the quality standards. The activities carried out at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) facility involved the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team of PT HJF as the party responsible for managing domestic wastewater. This training was also part of fulfilling the ISO 14001 standard related to preparedness and emergency response systems.
The drill began with a scenario in which water quality test results showed that dissolved oxygen (DO) levels did not meet quality standards. The team then carried out a series of emergency response procedures to restore water quality parameters to normal.
Environment Superintendent of HJF, Bobby Loys Lengga, explained the steps taken by the team when the condition was discovered. "We verified our initial findings through testing at the outlet, and the results still showed DO outside the standard. After that, we contacted the wastewater treatment plant operator to immediately install a pump to help the air flow into the water (venturi pump) and repair the blower system," he said.
After corrective action was taken, the team conducted another test. The results showed that the DO value was back above the quality standard. Giovanni emphasized the importance of periodic exercises like this. "Preventive measures such as this ensure that the water discharged from the WWTP always meets quality standards before flowing into water bodies. In addition to preventing potential negative environmental impacts, this activity also educates the team on the importance of maintaining water quality," he added.
This water pollution control drill is one of three annual environmental drills conducted by the environment team, covering water, air, and hazardous waste management. All of the drills are designed to ensure preparedness and consistency in the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the event of a potential emergency.
Through this training, Harita Nickel ensures that environmental monitoring and management in the company's operational areas continue to be conducted in accordance with established standards. This step also demonstrates the company's commitment to implementing responsible mining practices.