Vietnam Asked to Close $120M Plant after Poisoning Environment

Authorities in Vietnam’s central province of Quang Nam have proposed the government shut down a plant costing $120 million in investment for causing “severe environmental impacts”, according to state media. The local authorities submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment the document signed by Huynh Khanh Toan, deputy head of Quang Nam People’s Committee. By signing the document, local authorities asked Chu Lai Soda Joint Stock Company to resolve environmental issues which kill fish in nearby lakes and caused air and noise pollution to more than 400 households. Mr. Toan also asked local police to keep a close watch on the company to prevent discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment at night. In July, a group of top officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment inspected the plant and found massive fish death in adjacent ponds. Chu Lai Soda company was proved to be the polluter causing the environmental disaster in the locality. Earlier, the ministry imposed a fine of VND730 million ($32,800) on the company for polluting the environment, but to date, they have paid VND200 million. Mr. Toan told state media that the local government will never tolerate any company which violates environmental protection rules. After Taiwan-invested Formosa Hung Nghiep Ha Tinh Steel Corporation was detected in July to poison Vietnam sea off central coast, the government of Vietnam tightens control over the environmental protection and vows to punish any company that violate law on environment protection. (Thanh Nien – Young People Aug 8, Thanh Tra – Inspection Aug 8)