Ensure the requirements of environmental protection are met, planning in Bau Can Commune waste treatment area

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Mr. Nguyen Hong Linh, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee has a field trip in Bau Can Commune Waste Treatment Area

The adjustment must be in accordance with regulations, in accordance with the planning of the airport area, the capacity of the factory and ensure the meeting of  environmental protection requirements.

Project in the vicinity of the airport

Mr. Tran Trong Toan, Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment said that according to the commitment of the investor, Phuc Thien Long Trading and Service Co., Ltd., all waste (living, industrial and hazardous waste) carried to the treatment plant will be converted into heat, electricity, raw materials, and fertilizers thanks to modern and advanced processing technology. However, in the actual operation, the investor has not met the environmental conditions and requirements of the province. For example, the company dumped 100% of domestic waste instead of converting it to heat; Locating some more construction works outside the detailed plan approved; leaving garbage outdoors without cover causing odors and leachate; The obligation to plant replacement forests has not been fulfilled. “The project has not yet ensured environmental sanitation during its operation. The location is still very close to Long Thanh Airport, so it is reasonable to consider adjusting the size of the area," said Toan.

Some opinions expressed agreement with the decision to reduce the area of ​​the waste treatment plant near Long Thanh Airport, because of the risks: pollution of odors, pollution of underground water sources; traffic safety problem when waste trucks operate day and night.

At a meeting with leaders of the Provincial Party Committee, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tam, Director of Phuc Thien Long Trading and Service Co., Ltd. said that at first, the company encountered difficulties, so the progress of investment items was somewhat slow. After that, the Provincial People's Committee issued a decision to reduce the area by 2/3, making the company unable to continue to invest in the planned items, unable to call for partners to co-invest.

“The company suffered a lot. Currently, the treatment of domestic waste has been suspended. The capacity to receive other types of waste is also very low: 55% for industrial waste and 2.5% for hazardous waste "- Ms. Tam shared. Ms. Tam proposed 3 suggestions: the province should reconsider the decision to adjust the area; forest land conversion exemption because the project is completed before 2019; allowing the company to pay for afforestation to replace an area of ​​36.5 ha.

Bau Can Commune Waste Treatment Plant does not meet environmental protection conditions

Ensure the environmental requirements are met

According to the investor, if the above 3 recommendations are resolved, the company will start investing in the infrastructure of the whole area, calling on partners to also participate in business items and make adjustments to the dumping sites.

In a field survey of the waste treatment plant project in Bau Can Commune, Secretary Nguyen Hong Linh of the Provincial Party Committee said that this waste treatment plant still has many problems to be solved. The compaction of garbage to landfill is not effective, the landfill is not covered. The company has not invested in closed or underground wastewater collection pipelines. Roads in the treatment area are not guaranteed. "Internal roads, sewage pipes, waste cover, the company must have the immediate solutions or it will become a "black spot" on the environment" - the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee requested.

For the investor's recommendations, the provincial Party Committee's leaders asked the Provincial People's Committee to reconsider the decision to adjust the area. Each side "cooperates" a little bit. Regarding the conversion of forest land, it shall comply with the Law on Forestry that took effect on January 1, 2019. Regarding payment of replacement afforestation, the unit can choose to plant or pay. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall guide and calculate the appropriate payment level for investors.

According to the People's Committee of Bau Can Commune, this treatment plant has 2 projects, in the past time, one of them has the wastewater overflow, and the other had the the factory burnt, people are very upset. The commune wants functional sectors to strengthen management of environment and traffic safety, both creating favorable conditions for businesses to operate and ensuring harmonious development of economy - society - environment.

Mr. Vo Van Phi, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee said that in the coming time, the province will organize an inspection of the implementation of the contents according to the investment certificate, on land use, on construction for investment projects in the waste treatment in general. On that basis, re-evaluate the investor's capacity to take supportive measures or handle according to regulations. Particularly, for the Bau Can Commune Waste Treatment Plant the province agrees on the treatment direction in the coming June. Also according to the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, in the upcoming waste management plan, the province will not approve the expansion and new investment of the project If the waste dumping method is still applied, the existing project must invest in technology to make full use of heat, ash, and effectively using the existing land area.

Phan Anh