The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has been stepping up the inspection at of environmental pollution “hot spots” in the northern provinces of Thai Nguyen and Bac Giang, and the central city of Da Nang.

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In Thai Nguyen, the ministry has decided to inspect Nui Phao Mining Company Ltd, in early August, which is reportedly causing serious pollution affecting the living conditions of locals in Dai Tu district.

Based on the result of inspections, which will see the engagement of scientists in relevant fields, the provincial People’s Committee will request Nui Phao apply suitable measures to prevent and solve environmental problems it has caused.

The ministry has asked the company to comprehensively assess the impacts caused by its operation to the environment and living conditions of locals at hamlet 3 and 4 in Ha Phuong Commune, Dai Tu district, who might be evacuated.

The company is also requested to make a specific report detailing the scale, capacity, processing and mining technologies, as well as changes made compared to the approved environmental impact report. It is also directed to make a plan to install an automatic environment monitoring system.

The provincial People’s Committee is also asked to make a report on Nui Pao’s implementation of evacuation and resettlement plans in all areas under the company’s project, as well as environmental problems so far.

Earlier, on July 18, the ministry issued a decision to make an environmental inspection on A Cuong Group in Cam Dan commune, Son Dong district in Bac Giang province. An interdisciplinary inspection group was formed to examine the company.

On July 21, an inspection group from the Vietnam General Administration of Environment led by Hoang Van Ly, deputy head of the Department for Environment Protection Control announced a decision to examine 30 firms in Da Nang in 45 days.

Along with inspecting administrative procedures related to waste discharge, and waste treatment systems, the inspectors will take random samples of the waste and surrounding environment for testing.

All detected violations will be reported to authorised agencies to be handled.

VNA