Polluted water

Locals blame the Hong Duc Vuong Fish Meal Processing Factory.

"Since the factory went into operation, our lives got worse," said Le Van Tien, of Truc Lam Village. "I don't know what their waste treatment is like, but waste water is often poured into the environment and pollute the water supply. The land is also polluted and we can't plant crops anymore,"

Locals endure a constant stink from processing activities at the factory.

"We use masks whenever we have to go out, and the waste water makes people itch and it's ideal environment for fungus and bacteria," Tien said.

Bau Dinh Lake polluted by fish food factory

A lot of livestock died from drinking the polluted water. Locals can no longer use wells.

"My well water was very clear before, but it turned a yellowish colour and has scum on the surface, so we have to buy clean water for daily use," said Phan Thi Hong, of Gio Quang Commune.

"My family has a rice field, but the recent crop yield was so low there was barely anything to harvest," Hong said.

Le Van Thong, chairman of Gio Quang Commune, said that since the factory began operations in May last year, pollution became a problem and has got worse since February when the factory increased production.

Commune authorities reported the problem, but it has yet to be resolved.

"We don't have the authority to deal with it," Thong said. "The factory's operation is managed by provincial authorities."

Waste water discharge damaging local environment

Inspectors from the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the management board of the industrial park found several instances of regulatory wrongdoing at the factory, and that its treatment system was inadequate.

The factory was asked to halt operations until the problems were addressed, but locals say it has ignored the request and is discharging waste water at night in an attempt to avoid detection.

Tran Van Hoa, deputy head of the Quang Tri industrial parks management board, said new tests needed to be conducted on local water supplies before any further action can be taken.