Taiwanese textile producer gets hefty fine for illegal discharge

May 11, 2016 | 16:52

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The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has issued a fine of VND637 million ($28,423) on Taiwanese textile producer MeiSheng Textile Vietnam Company (MeiSheng) in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, due to its discharging untreated wastewater into a local lake, according to local newswire.

Previously, during an unannounced inspection, the local authorities detected that the company discharged 8,000 cubic metres of untreated wastewater volume a day, double of its wastewater treatment system’s maximum capacity.

The daily life of residents living near the factory was affected by environmental pollution caused by the company.

Thus, the local authorities requested the company to suspend the operation of its dyeing workshop within three months. In addition, the company was ordered to take the appropriate measures to mitigate the environmental damages caused to the flora and fauna of Da Den Lake, and simultaneously upgrade its wastewater treatment system.

It is the seventh time the company was fined by the local authorities. Previously, the company pledged not to relapse into violations but has apparently put little weight on its own word.

Started operation in April 2008, the company was found to be dumping untreated waste into the environment, contaminating nearby Da Den Lake after the company came into operation three months only.

Local media reported that in July 2010 the firm’s illegally installed wastewater conducting system cracked, spilling wastewater and poisoning the environment. In September 2010, it was hit with fines totalling VND335 million ($16,100) and was forced by local authorities to rebuild its wastewater treatment system.

By By Ha Vy

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