HÀ NỘI — Three inspection teams will be established to vet production firms discharging more than 500 cubic metres of wastewater daily in 23 cities and provinces nationwide.

The inspection is expected to begin next week.

The decision comes from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà on Thursday, the Tuổi trẻ (Youth) newspaper reported.

The ministry will examine the adherence to laws on environment and water resources, targeting projects that release wastewater into the environment.

Cities and provinces subjected to the move include Bắc Giang, Bắc Ninh, Cao Bằng, Hà Nam, Lào Cai, Lạng Sơn, Phú Thọ, Sơn La, Tuyên Quang, and Thanh Hóa in the north; Đắk Nông, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Lâm Đồng in the (Tây Nguyên) Central Highlands; Hà Tĩnh and Quảng Bình in the central coastal region; and An Giang, Bến Tre, Cà Mau, Sóc Trăng, Tây Ninh and Vĩnh Long in the south.

During the inspections, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) leaders will require a clear demonstration of law compliance by inspected businesses.

The inspection teams will look into making reports on environmental impacts or commitment to environmental protection, the implementation of contents mentioned in the reports and commitment, environmental protection measures once projects are put into operation, and the declaration and payment of fees for environmental protection.

In regard to water resources, the inspections will check the compiling of dossiers to ask for licences for exploring, exploiting and use of water resources, and releasing wastewater into environment; the compliance to regulations in the licences and other related rules.

MoNRE has called for the 23 cities and provinces to assign local officials to the inspection teams. — VNS