MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATED TO CAPITAL DREDGING WORKS AT PORT KLANG, MALAYSIA

摘要

Port Klang is Malaysia's leading port with two main navigational entrances / exits. The Northern Pulau Angsa Approach is via the dredged North Channel, 153 meters wide with maintained declared depth of 11.3 meters below Chart Datum (m CD). The Southern approach lies adjacent to the North bound lane of the Malacca Straits Traffic Separation. The South Channel has a width of 365 meters with a maintained declared depth of 15.5 m below CD.Capital dredging work is proposed in order to upgrade the North access channel to the same width and a declared depth of 365 meters & 15.5m below CD respectively as that of the Southern approach. The capital dredging volume involved is approximately 39 million cubic meters.The mainland bordering the port is the most developed region in the country. Mangrove forests cover the undeveloped coastal zones within and at areas bordering the port. Inter tidal mud flats and natural islands off the port provide protection and environmental buffer zones. The gazetted port area and its surroundings also include numerous fishing villages, cage fish farms, cockle breeding farms and artificial reefs to promote natural fish breeding.The port area is a multi user environment with significant natural buffer zones. Hence implementation of this major capital dredging project requiring relocation of very large quantities of dredged materials will cause multi-user conflicts, socio-economic impacts as well as concerns for environmental protection.Adequate studies, investigations and planning have been carried out to identify and address all issues on environmental impacts, environmental monitoring and mitigation measures to be adopted for the successful implementation of the project with minimal impact. This paper addresses at macro level, the management of environmental issues related to the successful implementation of the capital dredging project at Port Klang.