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THE 1997 HAZE EPISODE AFFECTING BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

by

Ak. Shamhary bin Pg. D.P. Hj. Mustapha
Environment Unit
Ministry of Development
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

 

Introduction

Air pollution control is a growing concern in Brunei Darussalam. It is realised that there is a lack of information due to the lack of studies in the area. However, in general the air quality appears to be comparatively clean. This nonetheless does not mean that Brunei Darussalam is free from air pollution. Some studies have indicated a high TSP level. Wind blown dusts is the most likely sources.

 

1997 Haze Episode

Since the beginning of August up to October of this year (1997), Brunei Darussalam has experienced hazy conditions which range from slight transient haze episodes to severe haze episodes. Various factors have contributed to the hazy conditions which has also affected other Southeast Asian countries. The factors responsible for the haze include the outbreak of forest and land fires (peat and coal) in the southern part of Kalimantan and the eastern part of Sumatra, Indonesia; the climatic phenomenon known as El Nino which causes abnormal dry conditions; stable atmospheric conditions which are favourable for the formation of haze and the availability of winds which help to spread the smoke haze within the region.

As a result of the haze several economic activities, including air and land transport, shipping, construction, tourism and agriculture have been badly affected. The actual amount of economic loss suffered by countries during this environmental disaster has yet to be fully determined. The haze pollution has also affected the health of the people and the long terms health effects, if any, has also yet to be determined.

For Brunei Darussalam the haze was at its worst between the 19th and 23rd of September 1997 where the recorded visibility in Brunei Darussalam dropped below 300 meters at certain places for short periods of time. It was also during this period that Sarawak was declared in a state of emergency when visibility recorded in Kuching reached below 100 meters and the Air Pollution Index (API)* exceeded 600. Fortunately, conditions in Brunei Darussalam were not as bad as those experienced in Kuching. Conditions in Brunei Darussalam began to get better after the 24th of September 1997. Between the 25th and 27th of September 1997 the air quality was reportedly moderate but continued to become good on subsequent days.

Conditions are expected to be back to normal as there are indications of the Northeast Monsoon starting to set in. Winds which were predominantly south westerly are becoming predominantly north easterly and also bringing with it more rain. However this wind pattern has sometimes been interrupted by the presence of tropical storms over the South China Sea which temporarily changes the wind direction to become south westerly hence bringing smoke haze back to Brunei Darussalam for short periods as fires still rages parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia. Nonetheless, the present haze episode is expected to be over by the end of November 1997.

Haze should not be confused with mist or fog which are formed as a result of the condensation of water vapour on particulates suspended in the atmosphere. Haze is caused by tiny particulates suspended in the atmosphere which at high enough concentrations scatter and absorb sunlight resulting in reduced horizontal visibility therefore giving the atmosphere a characteristic opalescent appearance. Suspended particulates can include dust, soot, ashes, asbestos, lead, sulphuric acids, oils, dioxins and pesticides. The particulates that cause the haze phenomenon can originate from many sources, some of which are natural and some anthropogenic. Natural sources include the oceans, forest and ground surface. However the majority of the particulates are from human activities such as open burning, land clearing and combustion of fossil fuels by vehicles and industries. In the case of the recent haze episode the particulates are mainly smoke originating from vegetation and land fires.

Several factors, which can be found at this time, such as prolonged dry weather, a stable atmosphere and an abundant supply of pollutants from urban or rural sources are the ideal ingredients for the formation of haze. Particulates emitted into the atmosphere are trapped within the stagnant air mass causing the particulate concentration to increase thus producing a hazy condition.

Haze originating from natural sources such as sea salt and soil dust is generally harmless to humans. Slight transient haze has also not been proven to cause any serious long term health effects. However, during severe haze episodes, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of particulates can be harmful to human health. Health Officials in the country have indicated that small children, the sick and the old are more susceptible to the effects of haze. The symptoms due to haze are irritation, redness and pain of the eyes; irritation and running nose; irritation, soreness of the throat and increased production of mucus; and cough, difficulty in breathing and wheeze. During a haze episode the public is strongly urged to follow the advice issued by the local health authorities.

The haze episode has reminded us that in our economic and development endeavours due consideration must be given to the environment. If not, nature or the environment has its own way of reminding us through incidences such as the smoke haze that has affected us. Haze pollution not only causes health effects but can disrupt day to day economic activities. Therefore, every effort must be made to reduce the incidence of haze or any other types of pollution. Though the main contributory factor of the haze has been the forest and land fires in parts of Indonesia there is nonetheless local sources of pollution which also need to be addressed. For example, we should refrain from open burning of waste which is one of the most common cause of localised haze; motor vehicles should be well maintained and should use clean fuel so as not to emit excessive smoke and noxious gasses; and land clearing activities should be staggered so not to expose large tracts of barren land which is a source of wind swept dust.

 

Health and Socio-Economic Impact of the 1997 Haze Episode

Health officials in the country have informed the public that small children, the sick and the old are more susceptible to the effects of haze. The symptoms due to haze are irritation, redness and pain of the eyes; irritation and running nose; irritation, soreness of the throat and increased production of mucus; and cough, difficulty in breathing and wheeze. During the recent haze episode there has been a notable increase in the number of patients receiving treatment for haze related ailments.

Day-to-day recreational and social activities have also been affected since the public have been advised by health officials to refrain from strenuous physical exertions and to stay indoors as much as possible.

Local authorities also issued circulars asking the public to refrain from open burning activities. The two major group whose daily income has been affected by this has been food hawkers and farmers (padi growers) whom rely on open burning.

Industries too have not escaped the effect of the severe haze conditions. Apart from the concern for the health of workers the practice of open burning for example which is common in land clearing activities for development and to rid construction wastes has received renewed criticism during the haze episode. Other sources of air pollution which are related with the construction industry such as brick kilns, hot mix asphalt plants and cement plants have also been asked to reduce their emissions through ceasure of their operations, use better practice or the use of clean technology.

Though the haze was not so severe to warrant closure of Brunei’s International Airport nonetheless air traffic has been affected through cancellation of flights flying in and out of Brunei.

 

Actions Taken to Address the 1997 Haze Episode

The following actions have been taken to address the 1997 haze problem:

1. Establishment of a National Committee to address the haze problem. The following sub-committees were also established:

2. Installation of air quality monitoring equipment:

3. Established a Haze Information Centre:

4. Drafted a haze response action plan:

5. Distributed masks to school children, the sick, and the elderly

6. Ensure there is adequate medical equipment and medicines

7. Stop open burning activities and reduce emissions from activities that generates dust and smoke:

 

Actions on Control of Potential Domestic Sources of Haze

There are several sources of air pollutants in Brunei Darussalam. Presently no study have been undertaken to properly investigate the contribution of these sources to severe episodes of haze in the country.

Emission from motor vehicles

In the absence of major industrial activities in the country the motor car is the predominant source of air pollution. 1995 figures show that the number of registered vehicles in Brunei Darussalam was 167,790. In the Greater Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) air quality is affected by vehicular traffic emitting CO, NOx, particulate, Hc, and SOx. However, the sulphur content of gasoline and diesel fuels used in Brunei is relatively low. Lead emission have also been reduced with the introduction of unleaded fuel in January 1993.

Vehicle emission tests are also being carried out as part of the registration process. The testing of gasoline vehicles include emission test for carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons at idle and for diesel vehicle a smoke test at free acceleration. Similarly, motor vehicles are also tested for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon levels.

Presently, there is no specific legislation to control air emissions from industries in Brunei Darussalam at the moment. Enforcement activities are relying mostly on administrative orders and code of practice as well as the goodwill of the management.

Open burning

Open burning though discouraged is nonetheless observed during land clearing activities for development, agriculture, at construction sites and at rubbish dump sites. Uncontrolled open burning have also sometimes led to occurrences of vegetation fires. The practice of open burning generate smoke which have been observed to cause localised pollution problems.

Presently, open burning is not allowed at government rubbish dump sites and forest reserves. Again, enforcement activities are relying mostly on the administrative orders and code of practice as well as the goodwill of the public and contractors.

Forest fires

            Due to occurrences of dry spells vegetation fires do occur in Brunei Darussalam. As recorded by the Fire Department there are a total of 740 reported cases of vegetation fires for 1997 between the months of January to October which destroyed around 878.22 hectares of vegetation cover. This is significantly more than the whole of 1996 which only had 470 reported cases of vegetation fires destroying 473.71 hectares of vegetation. The highest reported occurrences of fires were from May to September.

The cause for the majority of the fires were unknown. But, for all known causes they were a result of open burning activities. Local vegetation fires can be argued as the major contributor for occurrences of localised haze in the country. However for this year there have only been few incidences of vegetation fires which are of significance.

 

Lessons Learned from the 1997 Haze Episode

Among the lessons learned as a consequence of the 1997 haze episode include:-

1. The need to have an effective early warning system:

2. The need to introduce effective preventive measures:

3. The need to be prepared:

4. The exchange of information between ASEAN member countries proved beneficial. Information exchanged include:

 

*           The Air Pollution Index (API) has been developed by the Malaysian Government based on the US EPA Pollutant Standards index (PSI). Index figures enable the public to determine whether air pollution levels in a particular location are good (0-50), moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-200), very unhealthy (201-300) or hazardous ( >300).

**          The Pollutant Standards index (PSI) has been developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide accurate, timely and easily understandable information about daily levels of pollution. Index figures enable the public to determine whether air pollution levels in a particular location are good (0-50), moderate (51-100), unhealthy (101-300) or hazardous ( >300).