1. INTRODUCTION
This report concerning the impact of harbour expansion at Songkhla and Phuket is based on two missions of Songkhla (12–14 November 1975 and 1–4 March 1976), one to Phuket (4–6 March 1976) plus several reports and recommendations submitted to the Royal Thai Government by various consultants.1 & 2 Its aim is to delineate areas requiring further study and describe obvious areas of environmental (and in some cases economical) impact caused by port development at both sites in question.
1.1. Songkhla
This area in question is well known to all interested parties. It is a unique area because it is a mixture of both marine and fresh water environment and also a blending of the past with the present. The lake itself is of great importance to about 4 500 families that reside on its shores and probably affects another 150 000 people that depend on it secondarily.
Shoreline residents' greatest dependence on the lake is for animal protein mainly in the subsistence category. There are some that catch more fish products than needed for family use and are sold to local markets. Almost all markets, depending on the northern portion of the lake for fish products, sell fresh water species. All marine seafoods are being supplied by the dealers in the city of Songkhla.
The southern portion of the lake supplies marine and brackish water type of aquatic animals for many markets. By far, the most important fishery in the Songkhla area is the open marine fisheries both finfish and shellfish. Marine fisheries is the most important because Songkhla is the only port on the southern Gulf of Thailand that can handle open sea and along shore catches. In this respect, any improvement in the fishing port would be a welcome asset to the community. Existing catch statistics will bear out this fact for the port of Songkhla.
1 South Thailand Regional Planning Study, 1973, Hunting Technical Services, Ltd.
2 Ludwig, Environmental Report, 1976
The lake is very different from most lakes, in that it is extremely shallow, very large and under the influence of ocean tides. Very few lakes in all of Southeast Asia are similar to it e.g. Laguna de Bay in the Philippines and the Great Lake in Cambodia. The Great Lake of Cambodia flows on the reverse during the seasonal changes and is too far removed from the South China Sea by the Mekong River to experience any great salinity changes.
Laguna de Bay on the other hand, is on the outskirts of Manila in the Philippines and is very similar to Lake Songkhla. The great difference is that Laguna de Bay is under the terrific stress of urbanization and accompanying pollution from close to six million inhabitants.
Both lakes, as all lakes, are geologically doomed. However, these two lakes will terminate in the foreseable future. That is to say, in the future (two or three hundred years later), without man's intervention, both will gradually be marshy or swampy areas. With man's intervention this change will occur sooner.
For several years many scientists have said that the salt water in Lake Songkhla is penetrating further north into the lake. This has happened since the channel to the port was dredged some five years ago. As a consequence, the port development have been blamed for this change in the ecosystem.
On the most recent mission to the lake area it was found that irrigation along the entire western shore of the lake has increased significantly to the point that some of the irrigation's holding and dispersion dams have taken as much as 30 percent of the fresh water flow away from the lake and diverted it to the rice and other agricultural zones in the western watershed of the lake.3 In addition, plans are in the making to increase the effectiveness of this irrigation system so that more sources of fresh water will be available for agricultural purposes.
With this added piece of information concerning irrigation effects, can it be said that the harbour improvement in the future will continue to cause salt water to encroach on the more northern confines of the lake? Without further study no answer can be given, only hypothesis and theories concerning the future environmental changes brought on by port development can be put forth. It poses a very important question - will port development cause increased salinities northward or will improved irrigation methods cause the same result, or is it a combination of both, or will it stop, neither aspect causing any future ecological shifts? Again, these questions can only be deduced by a planned scientific approach to the problem.
3 Personal communication, Department of Irrigation
None of the reports by any of the consulting firms have outlined a logical environmental approach to the above problem or for that matter any environmental problems that might arise due to harbour improvement.
An overall scientific study of the area's environmental profile should be started as soon as possible. An environmental impact study should be undertaken to assess the present condition of the lake and its surroundings. If a competent programme is initiated and carried out for one annual cycle, reasonable and plausible answers should be forthcoming, even on a specific question such as "the effects on the migratory patterns of the fresh/brackish water shrimp, Macrobrachum rosenbergii. Here is an example of an organism that migrates to salt water to spawn and its offspring return to fresh water to grow. Such questions and many more concerning the uniqueness of Lake Songkhla's environmental patterns, can be dealt with by the Royal Thai Government (RTG) in conjunction with the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) help in a basic environmental impact study.
All the equipment, except for a suitable boat and minor scientific apparaturs, is available at Prince of Songkhla University. In addition, the university has a staff of trained scientists ready to give their attention to this timely if not belated programme.
Through the judicious use of approximately US$50 000, a one-year programme could be carried out and have as its prime purpose “To delineate and explain the environmental characteristics of Lake Songkhla and its surroundings”. It is the consultant's understanding that the above sum of money is available for such a programme. If this is the situation, then the Songkhla Environmental Programme should be encouraged to start immediately.
1.1.4. The programme
Included in this Programme, but not limited to, should be the investigation of the following parameters:
i) Water quality and physical characteristics
ii) Biological
a) Fauna - an inventory of naturally occurring aquatic animals should be done, cataloging them as to the ecological distribution within the lake's ecosystem (distribution). This phase includes qualitative as well as quantitative data and should be done by technically qualified personnel and supplemented through fishermen interviews. Invertebrates and their distribution should be understood. In this category are included in the microfauna and their distribution, both pelagic and benthic.
b) Flora - Description and distribution of all aquatic plants should be cataloged, together with terrestrial plants found in the land area adjacent to the lake. Soil characteristics should be noted and correlated with water characteristics of lake. This category including the most important of all the plants - phytoplankton. As much information as possible should be collected for phytopplankton (primary producers) and zooplankton (key consumers).
iii) Pollution
iv) Aerial surveys
High altitude photographs should be obtained throughout the year to show seasonal trends and topographic changes as well as many other aspects of the environment and pollution. Cooperation with the Meteorological and Defense Departments could insure the success of this important aspect of the programme.
Satellite pictures of the area (Phuket included) are available and would be invaluable as long as expert interpretation was available. Color, infrared and black and white prints should be utilized for analysis.
1.1.2 Plan of Work
The initial phase of this environmental programme should concentrate on the southern end of the lake (Figure 1) from the channel connecting the remainder of the lake to its mouth and thence in a north and south direction along the coast for at least one kilometer. This most important environmental base line must be established for this area. Special attention must be centered at the mouth of the lake and the north channel leading to the more freshwater environment.
The connecting north lake channel is the pivot point for the lake environment and should be the focal area from which the investigation radiates. Consideration of installing or rather constructing an environmental lock to control salt water encroachment should even be considered. The Irrigation Department has already considered an impounding structure for the channel. This could be a vital factor in maintaining the future of the lake's integrity.
1.1.3 The Harbour Plan in General
It is understood that there are three alternate sites for the planned harbour improvement. The deep water port at the northern end of the existing dock space, the outside site on the east side of the Songkhla Peninsula and the Khao Daeng site (considered as separate site) on the other side of the present Songkhla facilities (Figures 1a, b, and c). The islands of Laem Samila and Nu have not been considered in this evaluations.
In this consultant's opinion the outside port development would be too big a price to pay by the elimination of the beautiful recreational area on the point. The maintenance dredging cost would be nominal, plus the relatively low cost of construction do not outweigh the damage to the tourist industry, the esthetic value and the historic significance of the area.
The Khao Daeng site is, at the present time, not a practical solution to the need for harbour improvement. It is too expensive and not required. Its influence on the economic pattern of the area is not called for by the present pressure of cargo requirements. It will be some time before the harbour will need to be expanded to both sides of the channel. In the meantime the necessary information can be amassed to adjudge its feasibility and practicability. The costs of the bridges alone would seem to disqualify it from present preliminary planning. If future forecasts are exceeded for exports and imports then the Khao Daeng site could be considered as a secondary expansion site.
The need for an improvement in existing port facilities is necessary and should be done as planned at the north end of the Peninsula. In theory, the dredging of the channel to 9.5 meters and an eventual length of over 750 meters is sound and should not result in causing more salt water to enter the lake as long as the sill is maintained at the entrance of the southern entrance of the lake at the present height.
It would seem that an important consideration has been omitted from the plans for the harbour dredging, that was not overlooked at Phuket, - a turning basin. Of course, a turning basin is not required if the ship's masters do not mind swinging with the tide, when tethered to a dock, however, should a hawser break during this intricate maneuver, extensive damage could result. Since the navigation channel is 100 metres wide, it would limit the length of a vessel to 100 m or less.
It is not conceivable that the rail line will not be extended to the deep water part, however, no answer to this question has been obtained. If the railway is not extended it would mean that the cargoes would be handled twice and increase costs considerably. Also, the highway would be extended to the deep water dock area. It is hoped that all such development is confined to the dock area and does not infringe on the scenic recreational area on the opposite side of the northern point.
The proposed industrial estate was visited. It is approximately 16 kilometres to the south of Songkhla. If all industrial development is limited to this area the damage to Songkhla will be limited, however, the environmental damage to this unspoiled area, unless expertly controlled, will be devastating. There is a small tidal river that can be used to lighten the shipping load of Songkhla but will require extensive dredging, a training dyke and breakwater similar to Songkhla. Its only advantage in the overall plan is to spread the pollution and development over a larger area.
If the appropriate government agency (NEB) is given the responsibility, authority and means to maintain the environment at its “economical and environmental best” then there would be no advantage of the industrial estate area. The areas closer to Songkhla and Hat Yai, not subject to flooding, could serve as the industrial site that invariably follows any harbour improvement.
In Conclusion:
If the port improvement utilizes the western edge of the Songkhla Peninsula and does not encroach on the existing recreational area by sight, odor or noise it should not have any significant impact on the tourist industry.
If commercial land transport facilities improve in efficiency passenger handling should be encouraged to improve, especially from Hat Yai. This improvement could result in a slight increase in tourists and make the construction of a few suitably attractive small hotels down the south beach.
Any industrial development should follow a ribbon flow from Songkhla to Hat Yai using the high ground from industrial growth. Each industry should be responsible for processing its own wastes before they are discharged to the environment. In this aspect, the National Environment Board (NEB) should advise them as to the best and cheapest method suitable for each particular type of industry. Industry should bear the cost.
Plans should be initiated to design and construct sewage treatment plants for both Songkhla and Hat Yai so that future domestic pollution does not cause irreversable environmental damage. For the present, the aquatic environment can assimilate the domestic and minor industrial waste.
This will not hold true for the future and should be included in city and urban planning. By planning for the future the mistakes of other areas of the world can be used to help save the local environment of Songkhla.
As mentioned earlier, if there are funds available a Songkhla Environmental Programme should be formed as soon as possible. It should be under the supervision of the National Environmental Board. It then should be coordinated by the Prince of Songkhla University that has professional personnel in limnology, biology, chemistry, engineering, etc. All relevant agencies of the government should be included in the investigation - Fisheries Department, Harbour Department, Meteorological Department, Irrigation Department, etc.
The Programme should be an ongoing project but initially funded for one year (to give one complete annual cycle). If 1 000 000 Bahts, (50 000 US$) are available it should be allocated as follows:
| Bahts | |
| - Equipment - boat and motor capable of working all areas of the lake; minor scientific equipment. | |
| All usable for extended periods | Bht 550 000 |
| - Salary, eight (8) technicians (college graduates) | 168 000 |
| - Field allowances, professional staff | 116 000 |
| - Gas and upkeep for boat and vehicles | 36 000 |
| - Overhead expenditures (visiting researchers, etc.) | 80 000 |
| - Final expert appraisal | 50 000 |
| T o t a l | Bht1 000 000 |
Professional staff from Prince of Songkhla University will be paid from university funds, in addition the university will furnish all space and equipment for the programme at no cost to the funding agency. The University will also supply the vehicle to be used.
(e) If technical assistance funds are available through United Nations Environmental Programme or some other appropriate agency, an Environmental Expert should be engaged to formulate and get the programme under way. His services should not be for more than six months. On termination of his services the programme would continue under the leadership of his counterpart and co-leader. The prime function of the expert or consultant should be to set up the initial phase of the investigation and coordinate activities of all personnel to insure maximum efficiency in attainment of the programme's objectives. The other main goal is to have Thai personnel eventually handle the programme in its entirety. The crucial portion of this environmental programme is personnel. Professional staff are ready to start at the Prince of Songkhla University under the sponsorship of Dr. Chaiwat Janewanit, Rector of the University and it is suggested that the Programme Leader would be Dr. Danai Limpadanai. Other staff specialists are ready to start immediately along with cooperating agencies. Mr. Pairog Bhramonond, Chief, Fisheries Station, Songkhla has already shown his desire to start the programme.
Further details of the Songkhla environmental programme should be discussed in detail with representatives of NEB, ADB and UNEP in the immediate future. A feasible starting date for the Songkhla Environemntal Programme would be 15 May to 1 June 1976.
1.2. Phuket
Port improvement in Phuket is needed but it is not a dire necessity at the moment. It will be needed as the demand for rubber, palm oil and other agricultural exports are increased, which forecasts seem to indicate. Tin exports should remain fairly constant.
The question as to the site location has been more or less decided. The expansion of the Thaisarco Tin docks and adjacent channel. The question of existing currents in the area was brought up at the last meeting of the Phuket committee and was found lacking in past consulting firm's reports. This recent mission established that the prevailing current is about two knots and to the south in the direction of the existing and future channel. It swings to the west after passing Laem Phan Wa, the point of land occupied by the Marine Biological Laboratory, thence disperses to deeper water (Fig. 1-d).
Also the question of siltation was asked. The dredging of the new channel to 9.5 metres will have no relative effect on the siltation problems in the immediate area or any area. The damage has already been done and is continuing to be done by inland and offshore tin mining. The environmental impact of siltation is beyond belief. As an example, from the southern edges of the municipality of Phuket there extends a peninsula of land one kilometre in length and about 300 meters in width that was not there five years ago. It is formed from the removal of silt from channels on both sides.
Statistics show that about 5 percent of the available land of Phuket Island has already been mined for tin and will continue for at least a decade at the same rate.
Mining has been important to the area since the turn of the century. People interviewed stated they cannot remember when there was no mining operations in the area. From the air, there is not a river visible that is not dumping a load of mine tailings into the once clear coastal waters. Of course, tin is too important to the Gross National Product (GNP) to have its production curtailed. However, it has had a terrific impact on the area. In addition, to tin mining, irresponsible cutting of trees on hilltops and hillsides has caused excess erosion. This aspect of siltation could be curtailed. It is done so that a person can sell the wood, plant a patch of banana trees or coconut trees and then claim the land as theirs by residency and land improvement.
Other areas in the Phuket planning have been considered for port development other than the Taisarco site. Those at Klong Tha Chin is already being developed and will be a major fish handling port. It is well planned for the size ship to use its facilities. Maintenance dredging will be costly due to siltation from mine tailings. The site at Khso Phap Pa and Ao Tisa have apparently been deemed undesirable. The consultant concurs due to cost of maintenance dredging and initial improvement.
There is one deep water site not mentioned in earlier reports, the point of land immediately north of Ao Tipa cove. Sea going vessels anchor just off this point and lighter cargoes to Klong Tha Chin. The writer had the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of deep water ports in the Phuket area with a Mr. Jan A. Hoff-Hansen, Managing Director of the largest shipping agency in the area. He has been in Phuket for ten years in this capacity. His suggestion was the site mentioned above. He said that his ships have rarely had to change their anchorage because of unsuitable seas at this site. If a solid “T” dock were built out from the point, no dredging would be required, fill from the adjacent knoll could be used to build the dock and the resulting flat cleared area could be used for support facilities. There is an existing road to the area. The “T” type dock would afford protection during both monsoon seasons.
The above site is put forth because it appeals to the writer as a former ship's master. The Thaisarco site is suitable once expanded but is a difficult berth in many respects, but this can be overcome. In addition to the planned facilities at Thaisarco, it is suggested that a moderate break be constructed parallel to the approach channel just east of the dock area, to minimize surges from offshore seas, produced when the swells reach the shallower coastal waters in the area.
Looking to the future, Phuket can only grow and the demand for improved harbour facilities will be needed. This need may also necessitate the construction of a railroad. The only problem with rail construction would be the need for a bridge parallel to the Sarasin vehicle bridge.
There is a great deal to be learned about the coastal environment and a base line should be established so that future industrial impact on the environment can be assessed, especially possible oil contamination and the local effect of arsenic waste, from tin processing, on local vista. One of the most important initial stages, as with Songkhla, should include high altitude aerial and satellite photographs so as to have a composite view of the area. These pictures of the environment will allow a rational evaluation of the overall coastal and terrestrial environment showing changes with time. It is by far the most effective tool in determining currents and major areas of siltation and other forms of pollution.
Using the Marine Biological Laboratory as headquarters, a long-term environmental study programme should be undertaken. This type of programme should include adjacent portions of the main land and encompasses the economic and social environment as well as the natural environment. The natural environment is so taxed at the present time that it cannot assimilate any further physical or other types of pollution. Careful consideration should be given to the Phuket area because of its value as a tourist centre in Southern Thailand. Its recreational value should not be sacrificed for wholly economic purposes. At the recent meeting of the National Workshop on Mangrove Ecology held at Phuket (10–16 January 1976), Phuket was suggested as regional mangrove study centre where various aspects of mangrove ecology could be investigated. Phuket is also a valuable fishing area and serves as the hub of the fishing industry for southwestern Thailand. Vessels from neighboring countries also use the facilities. The tin natural resource will eventually be exploited to the point of extinction. Then the remaining natural resources will have to support the community, namely agriculture/fishery products and tourists, backed up by its future deep sea port.
If NEB can negotiate funding for this long term environmental study it should begin with all haste. Perhaps there is a possibility that Songkhla and Phuket could eventually come under a joint programme for national and international environmental investigations.
Figure 1-a. Songkhla Lake and Vicinities in South Thailand
Figure 1-b. Sites Planned for Industrial Estates in Songkhla Area Thailand
Figure 1-c. Songkhla Lake and Songkhla Townsite
Figure 1-d. Map of Phuket Province, Thailand Showing Areas Studied
