White foam on rainwater 'is normal'
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E-mail China Daily, August 19, 2015
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A large amount of unusual foam appeared on a street block in Tianjin's coastal Binhai New Area as the rain fell on the morning of Aug. 18, the first rain after the Aug. 12 explosions. [Photo/Weibo.com] |
From the photos, it's normal to see some white foam after rain, he added.
After heavy rainfall, harmful chemical residues on the ground may release toxic gas into the air, said Bao Jingling, chief engineer of Tianjin's bureau of environmental protection.
As long as there are no further blasts, there will be no direct air pollution, he added. The bureau has carried out more frequent tests on the air and water quality since the rainfall, Bao said, and there have been no substantial leaks of the toxic sodium cyanide.
If an excessive level of cyanide or organic compounds is detected in the air, the authorities will issue warnings and evacuate people from the blast zone, he said.
"Currently, the rainfall is not heavy and contamination on the surface water is under control," said Bao.
The station said Tianjin was forecast to have more rain from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
In the event of more rain, officials plan to use ponds and drainage systems to store the water, Bao said.
Sewage plants in the city will also add an extra stage to their cleansing process and contaminated water will be channeled through them.
The 1-meter temporary wall built at the core blast zone will be strengthened to prevent contaminated water draining out, he added.
"We will install more monitoring stations for air and water quality, especially when heavy rainfall and gales are due," Bao said.
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