The Bac Giang People’s Committee has imposed a fine of VND210 million ($9,407) on South Korean TTB Vina MFG Co., Ltd. located in Viet Yen district for environmental violations.
According to the inspection records, the company’s wastewater samples showed pollution levels exceeding over ten times the permitted level.
The company will have to pay the fine within 10 days after it receives the decision, otherwise provincial authorities would use coercive measures.
The company will have to suspend discharging wastewater into the environment, and simultaneously take appropriate measures to mitigate the environmental damage caused. Besides, the province ordered the company to improve its existing wastewater treatment system.
Along with the environmental break-down, in June 2014, a kiln explosion occurred inside the company. Although there were no casualties, the explosion sent over 1,000 workers into panic.
Starting operation in September 2006, TTB Vina MFG specialises in costumes manufacturing. The company currently has 1,500 employees. Its products are exported to South Korea and Europe.
Previously, Korean Em-Tech Vina Co., Ltd., which specialises in manufacturing mobile speakers, headphones, and electronic components in Vinh City of the central province of Nghe An, was accused to discharge untreated wastewater into the environment.
According to local residents, the company had been directly discharging untreated wastewater into the local channel since it started operations three years ago. However, the provincial authorities ignored the reports.
The residents complained that their daily lives and cultivation were affected by environmental pollution caused by the company. Households can not use the water from the channel for the irrigation due to the serious pollution.
After receiving too much complain from residents, the local authorities started to carry out an inspection.
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