ln a proactive move to uphold environmental standards and combat the menace of environmental pollution, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Wednesday held a one-day workshop for Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) personnel across industrial organisations in the state.
The Workshop with the theme: “Effective Operation of Effluent Treatment Plants”, is aimed at equipping ETP operators, maintenance officers, supervisors, technical officers, engineers, consultants, and facility managers with the necessary knowledge and skills that would guide their operations and conform with the global standard practices.
The workshop which was held in conjunction with Funman Nigeria Ltd, took place at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja.
In his welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu noted that the workshop highlighted the critical need to treat effluent before discharge into the environment, emphasising the need for ETP operators and scientific officers in manufacturing industries to ensure compliance with effluent to treatment and discharge regulations.
Rotimi-Akodu urged manufacturing industries to support the ongoing reforms in the Environmental sector by ensuring that effluent is well treated before discharge to minimise their impacts on public health and the environment.
The Special Adviser, who represented the State Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab at the event, emphasised the role of scientific officers in monitoring and supervision of effluent treatment operations and ensured compliance with the State Environmental laws and regulations.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi underscored the significance of the workshop in promoting best practices and ensuring the effective operation of Effluent Treatment Plants to achieve a sustainable environment that is safe, secure and pollution-free for a healthy citizenry and protection of the ecosystem.
Dr. Ajayi highlighted the significance of proper ETP management, and the danger inherent in the discharge of raw effluent directly into the drains, environment or water bodies.
The LASEPA Boss emphasised the importance of compliance with environmental standards, especially by industries whose effluent discharge contains toxic substances that are harmful to the environment and public health.
“As the regulatory body of the Lagos State Government, LASEPA is committed to monitoring industries to ensure compliance with effluent treatment and discharge regulations. It is essential for industries to handle effluent treatment and discharge responsibly to minimize environmental impact and protect public health”, he added.
While recognising the role of technology and data-gathering in improving ETP operations efficiency, the General Manager stressed the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Ajayi stated that his agency would continue to invest in capacity building and professional development necessary for sustainable environmental growth and individual development.
The workshop also featured interactive sessions, exhibitions, and technical presentations from senior environmentalists including the former GM of LASEPA, Engr. Antonio Ayodele and representatives from Fumman Chemicals Ltd.