>> Waste-water pollution leaves locals desperate

The environmental section of Ha Tinh Province’s Department of Police has begun an urgent investigation into a latex plant’s environmental violations.

The severe environmental contamination caused by the Ha Tinh Rubber Latex Processing Plant was reported by DTiNews on August 9.

The plant’s man made ditch built for storing waste-water

On August 8, the environmental police, together with representatives from Ha Linh and Phuong My communes, arrived at the latex plant and demanded that management submit all documents related to the latex production line, examining the latex manufacturing, processing and waste-water processes as well.

The plant’s waste-water processing area shocked the investigation team. Thick, black and pungent waste-water, untreated, is being discharged directly into the environment. Water samples were taken from the upper part of Ba Khe stream where the waste is released. The team also conducted a visual check at several ponds and wells that appear to have been contaminated.

The test results have not yet been released however, the pollution appears to be obvious.

The environmental pollution has directly impacted the life and health of civilians for over 3 years.

Investigators will compile a report and submit it to higher level authorities and relevant agencies to find out appropriate solutions. In the meantime, the plant’s leaders were asked to immediately implement solutions to improve their waste-water processing system and to stop discharging untreated waste-water into the environment.