Mekong Delta province shuts down waste treatment plant over pollution

Ben Tre's administration made the decision Tuesday after the company in Chau Thanh District failed to address pollution at its waste treatment plant.

Spreading around four hectares, the plant cost VND200 billion and started operation in mid-2018 after more than two years of construction.

As designed, it could take in 200 tons of garbage per day for incineration but in reality, can only operate at 40% of its designed capacity. Until now, almost 100,000 tons of waste remain unprocessed at the factory.

The garbage results in odor while the water leaking from the landfill affects the residential area nearby.

Besides, four years into operation, the company has yet to complete the system to collect and treat wastewater, emissions as well as ash and slag.

Tens of families in the area have sent many petitions demanding Ben Tre Waste Treatment JSC reduce the pollution while authorities have requested the company to do so several times, but to no avail.

In June, Ben Tre requested the company completes all items at the waste treatment plant and stop the pollution by the end of July, but nothing has been done.

Garbage in Chau Thanh District is now transferred to An Hiep landfill in Ba Tri District for temporary storage.