VietNamNet Bridge – Two chemical producing factories in the northern province of Hai Duong have been operating without licenses, causing environmental damage to the farming district of Kinh Mon.

Local authorities found that Truong Khanh Co Ltd, which produced a nickel compound used in electroplating, was operating without legal documentation in the Duy Tan Commune in Kinh Mon District.—Photo phapluatxahoi

Local authorities found that Truong Khanh Co Ltd, which produced a nickel compound used in electroplating, was operating without legal documentation in the Duy Tan Commune in Kinh Mon District.

A second factory, Construction 1396 Joint Stock Company, was producing chemicals at Pham Menh Commune on land designated for agricultural use.

There was no decision issued by local authorities that allowed the owners of these factories to invest in or hire the land for industrial use.

The issue was brought to the attention of the local authorities by residents of Chau Xa hamlet in Duy Tan Commune who pitched tents to block the entrance to Truong Khanh Co Ltd during the past month.

"The factory polluted the area, causing a negative impact on the health and lives of the local people", 44-year-old local resident Nguyen Van Hanh told Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper.

"Individuals and organisations who ignore these violations need to be strictly handled"

"The factory must compensate for the local people's loss," Nguyen added.

Water in ditches surrounding the company were found to have pH and COD - or Chemical Oxygen Demand - indexes much higher than those legally allowed.

This resulted in the death of fish in nearby ponds according to Ta Hong Minh, the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Department Deputy Director.

"The signs point to the environment pollution being caused by the company", Minh said.

The provincial People's Committee Deputy Chairman, Nguyen Anh Chuong, said the Truong Khanh factory was forced to dismantle, and individuals and organisations who failed to prevent violations would be strictly handled.

The People's Committee asked local authorities to verify and clarify the factories' violations, and reported on the results before July 25th.

Source: VNS