Nhan Co alumina plant alkali overflow under control

August 02, 2016 | 15:00

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The overflown alkali escaping Nhan Co alumina plant and seeping into the ground are completely under control.

Photo source: cafeland

The incident, coming as a result of the plant’s broken chemical pipe system, took place at Vinacomin-Dak Nong Aluminium Company’s alumina plant in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong, causing significant distress to authorities and local residents alike.

This announcement was made by Mai Tien Dung, Minister, Chairman, and spokesman of the Government Office at the government’s regular press conference organised on August 2.

In response to concerns of residents and experts about the heightened risks of environmental pollution in the Central Highlands region following the break-down, Dung said that 24 hours after the incident occurred, the authorities measured the alkali content of Dak Dao River and concluded that it is at a safe level.

The spokesman added that the relevant agencies were called in to check and verify the reasons behind the incident. In addition, they would have to recruit mineral exploitation activities in the Central Highlands and build backup plans to deal with similar emergency scenarios in the future.

On July 23, when the plant’s employees were pumping alkali through the pipes, they found that the chemical gun was broken, leading to 9.58 cubic metres of alkali escaping the plant and seeping into the ground. The spillage broke the alarm over land and waste pollution in Nhan Co commune, Dak R’Lap district.

Although the employees put a stop to the spillage within four minutes, the overflow resulted in a number of fish dying in Dak Dao River. Besides, residents have to refrain from bodily contact with the river’s water, as the chemical pollution can lead to itchiness, burning irritation, and the development of bullae.