Eleven seafood processing firms in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau have accepted a ruling that will see them pay VND14 billion (USD666,600) in compensation to local households following toxic waste discharge which caused fish deaths.

Fish death on Cha Va River

On December 22, the provincial people’s court of the southern province announced its ruling on the case between 33 households which breed caged fish on Cha Va River and the firms.

In 2015, the households suffered losses of around VND18 billion from the fish death. Inspections from local authorities found the deaths were caused due to the discharge of toxic wastes from 14 seafood processing firms.

Only two among the 14 firms agreed to offer compensation through non-binding arbitration talks, so the households decided to sue the 12 remaining firms.

The households later withdrew their lawsuit against the Thanh Dat Company, which was approved by the court.

According to the court’s conclusion, the remaining 11 seafood companies were responsible for paying compensation of VND14 billion.