Authorities of Kinh Môn District in the northern province of Hải Dương have asked businesses that caused pollution to promptly take measures to remedy the issue. — Photo doanhnghiepvn.vn

HẢI DƯƠNG — Authorities of Kinh Môn District in the northern province of Hải Dương have asked businesses that caused pollution to promptly take measures to remedy the issue.

At a dialogue held between local residents, businesses and local authorities on Monday, Vice Chairman of the district’s People’s Committee Lê Văn Bí said many businesses operating in the district have caused environmental pollution, affecting the living conditions of the locals.

These businesses include Tân Đông Aluminum Ltd. Co, Tân Nguyên Metallurgy Joint Stock Company and Cường Thịnh Cement Company.

A representative from the district’s Bureau of Natural Resources and Environment said violations include the release of exhaust fumes, toxic dust and bad odors into the environment, affecting local people’s health.

Representatives of more than 12,000 people living in Phú Thứ town in Kinh Môn District, which suffered the most from pollution, said the surrounding environment has been filled with bad smells and exhaust fumes ever since these plants were put into operation. They said many people have suffered respiratory illnesses such as sore throat and pneumonia, as well as cardiovascular diseases.

They complained that they often have to close all their doors and windows, even during summer, to prevent dust from entering their houses.

At the dialogue, many people asked these companies to state where their solid waste and wastewater were discharged. Some people presented evidence showing that these companies dumped waste near residential areas.

In response, representatives from these companies admitted that their plants released exhaust fumes, dust and bad odors during operations. They blamed the problem on faulty machines and equipment, coupled with the unskilled operation of machines.

Tân Đông Company admitted that local people discovered it was dumping waste near residential areas, while Tân Nguyên and Cường Thịnh companies said they hired professional waste treatment companies to treat their waste.

Bí demanded that the companies take immediate measures to deal with the pollution.

In the long-term, these companies must improve their production technology and invest in high-technology to avoid polluting the environment during operations, he said.

The Tân Đông company, which dumped untreated waste near residential areas, was temporarily suspended to deal with the pollution. — VNS