Tighter measures needed to stop river pollution

HCM CITY — The Thi Vai River could become polluted again if factories along the river do not properly dispose of waste, according to scientists and ministry officials who met recently to discuss the aftermath of a major pollution case involving Vedan, the monosodium glutamate manufacturer.

Vedan was found guilty in 2008 for discharging untreated waste water into Thi Vai River and was required to pay compensation to fishermen that were affected in HCM City's Can Gio District as well as in areas in neighbouring Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces.

Nguyen Van Phuoc, head of HCM City National University's Natural Resources and Environment Institute, said tests showed that the percentage of chemicals in Thi Vai River was at a lower level than required. Some chemical amounts, however, were at a higher, but not dangerous, level.

At the meeting, a representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said the water quality in Thi Vai River had dramatically improved.

A 10-km stretch of the river had been polluted by Vedan and other companies, he said.

However, Prof. Lam Minh Triet noted that the river's self-recovery had limits, and pointed out that other companies operating along the river discharged large volumes of industrial waste every day.

Officials noted that the notoriety of the Vedan case had helped raise awareness about protecting the environment along the river.

Prof. Triet said authorities should maintain a database about the river based on a survey of pollution sources.

He said they should also develop a plan to relocate and even suspend the operation of factories that do not have waste treatment systems.

Along the Thi Vai River in HCM City's Can Gio District, oyster farms have still not been able to resume operation.

Phuoc of the Environment Institute proposed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment develop a programme to manage Thi Vai River to prevent any future pollution.

He said that the authorities in HCM City and the provinces of Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau should also draw up pollution-prevention policies.

HCM City's Department of Natural Resources and Environment said the city would issue higher fines and stiffer penalties to companies that cause pollution in rivers in HCM City the Thi Vai River.

The heaviest penalty will be business suspension and closure.

HCM City is building many waste treatment systems to improve the quality of canal water in urban areas, Phuoc said, adding that many industrial parks had made commitments to reject companies that do not have proper waste-treatment systems.

Owners of Nhon Trach No. 3 Industrial Park said companies that used outdated technologies and machines would not be allowed to locate in the park.

The industrial park has operated a waste water treatment system with capacity of 14,000 cubic metres of waste water every day.

Phuoc said that water along the Dong Nai and Thi Vai rivers in many provinces would be improved if a comprehensive plan was created. — VNS