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Most IZs are dumping untreated waste: VEPA
Environmental pollution is set to assume monumental proportions with the Viet Nam Environment Protection Agency (VEPA) reporting that 70 per cent of industrial zones in the country do not have water and solid waste management systems.
Moreover, 90 per cent of enterprises across the country are discharging untreated waste directly into rivers and canals.
VEPA, which functions under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, says an excessive focus on economic growth and disregard for its environmental fallout is one of the main reasons for this problem.
The country has many businesses that have purchased toxic waste, especially in the plastic industry, to recycle and produce goods for the domestic market.
HCM City, for instance, has 15 industrial zones which release 62,726 tonnes of solid waste each year. However, nine of them have not yet installed waste treatment systems.
The city now has more than 1,500 enterprises which have purchased plastic waste and sold recycled products.
Apart from industrial waste, waste from daily activities is not classified at source before being sent to rubbish dumps where it is buried or burnt, not recycled, the report says.
Both deliberate and unwitting flouting of environmental regulations are factors in the worsening situation. While many residents and enterprises lack awareness of various environmental protection issues, many rules are ignored as economic benefits are placed first.
Local authorities and relevant departments are also guilty of focusing on economic growth and not paying heed to protecting the environment.
VEPA also notes that the country’s environmental police are understaffed and undertrained to inspect, prosecute and prevent environmental crimes and violations.
VNN
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