DM to impose a fine of Dhs100,000 against illegal dumping of raw sewage

Salem Bin Mesmar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Health, Safety and Environment Control Sector, said the Municipality will take severe actions against any practices that violate environment safety rules and regulations in the Emirate of Dubai.

He noted that any dumping of raw sewage at storm water lines will result in a fine of Dhs100,000 or above as per estimated damages, confiscation of tankers for period of one month to three months, and suspension of trade licenses of transporting companies (Owner of License) until further notice.

Illegal dumping of sewage at any other area will result in imposing huge fines on the tanker's owner in addition to severe legal actions including suspension of the license.

He added that any addition, changes and alteration to the tanker's general structure specifications (change in discharge hole, addition of discharge holes or underneath holes....etc.) or details of the tanker, will result in severe legal actions including confiscation of the tanker and the trade license.

Dubai Municipality's Drainage Network Department had detected last month some 27 tankers involved in this illegal activity and fined each of them Dhs50,000 which included a fine and the cost of cleaning and flushing out the storm water lines.
Instead of waiting for their turn at Al Awir Sewage Treatment Plant, some of the tanker drivers prefer to empty their tankers in open areas or through the storm water networks in Al Qouz, Al Barsha and Ned Al Sheba that are designed to carry pure rain water to the sea.

The practice has resulted in polluting part of the emirate's coast line. Municipality inspectors are now keeping a close watch on those law-breakers who mainly empty the tankers between 12 and 5 a.m. daily so as to avoid detection.

Mesmar urged the public to cooperate with Dubai Municipality in this regard and inform it about such illegal activity if they spot someone doing it by calling the 24/7 toll free number 800 900.

It is worth mentioning that Dubai Municipality is currently undertaking a project to ease the congestion at Al Awir Sewage Treatment Plant for sewage tankers waiting for their turn at the plant and reduce the waiting time for them. The project involves construction of a 50,000 square meter parking lot for the tankers that will organise the sewage dumping process in an easy and smooth way. Once the project is completed within a month, the tankers will be able to enter the plant according to their turn and complete the dumping process in a hassle-free way.