VietNamNet Bridge – Police in the northern province of Phu Tho are investigating allegations that a private company has been transporting sulfur through residential areas without proper licensing and conditions.

Cranes unload sulfur that is gathered in huge dunes outdoors at Binh Son Wharf.— Photo baophapluat.vn

Residents in the province’s main city, Viet Tri, have for years been complaining about the sulfur from Binh Son Wharf on the Red River being transported through residential areas, allegedly causing air pollution.

Tran Van Du, 84, living in the city’s Ben Got Ward, said that for years, local residents suffered from dust and noise from trucks that carry coal, sand and sulfur from the wharf.

“The trucks drop the materials on roads, dust penetrates our houses,” he said, blaming it for an increase of respiratory diseases.

At Binh Son Wharf, tens of cranes unload sulfur that is gathered in huge dunes outdoors.

The wharf manager, Ngo Van Binh, told Vietnam News Agency that the Binh Son Private Company was licensed to transport sulfur.

However, the licence granted by the Port Authority of Inland Waterway Area No 2 to the company reveals that the company was permitted to load and unload conventional goods, not sulfur.

According to Phu Tho province’s Department of Industry and Trade, the transport and storage of sulfur at the wharf must be reported and controlled - but for years, local companies did not fulfill these obligations.

As sulfur is a flammable chemical, it must be stored and carried under conditions meeting safety requirements and in specialised trucks.

Vice director of the province’s Public Security Department, Phung Duc Quang, said police were investigating the allegations.

Transport firms and truck drivers would be suspended and punished if found violating rules.

VNS