The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced a list of 30 thermal electricity, hydropower, chemical and mining projects that are posing risks to the environment.

Among the environmentally unfriendly projects are thermal power plants Thai Binh 1, Vinh Tan 2, Vinh Tan 4, expanded Vinh Tan 4, Duyen Hai 1, Duyen Hai 3, expanded Duyen Hai 3, and Quang Ninh, which are all developed and managed by Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN).

The projects of Vietnam Oil and Gas Group on the blacklist are thermal power plants Vung Ang 1, Long Phu 1, Song Hau 1, Ha Tinh Petroleum Power Company, Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical complex, and Ca Mau integrated gas-power-fertilizer complex.

Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group’s (Vinacomin) Nhan Co alumina processing plant, Lam Dong Aluminum Co Ltd, Thach Khe iron mine and Sin Quyen copper mine are on the list as well.

The blacklisted projects of Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) are DAP fertilizer plants No. 1 and No. 2, Lam Thao Fertilizers and Chemicals Joint-Stock Company, the phosphorus and chemical factories in Tang Loong Industrial Park, and Ninh Binh Phosphate Fertilizer Joint Stock Company.

The other projects on the blacklist are Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Joint Stock Company (TISCO) of Vietnam Steel Corporation (VNSTEEL), Pho Noi Textile and Garment Industrial Park of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), Viet Thang Corporation which specializes in textiles and garments, and Bai Bang paper mill of Vietnam Paper Corporation.

Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh has told the Industrial Safety Techniques and Environment Agency under the ministry to inspect the 30 projects  and strictly deal with those breaking the environmental regulations in 2016-2017.

He also ordered all corporations under the ministry not to approve any projects using technology potentially detrimental to the environment, and force operational projects on the blacklist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For the coal-fired power station projects, their investors must build standard ash collection systems.

Investors of Duyen Hai 1, Vinh Tan 2 and Vung Ang coal-fueled power plants must sign deals with partners to make use of coal ash within this year, according to the industry ministry.

The ministry has also required investors of Vinh Tan and Duyen Hai thermal power centers to set up automatic monitoring systems which must be linked to computer networks of local authorities so that waste from the centers can be monitored.

SGT