11.25.09 – Ho Chi Minh City’s (HCMC) officials inspected 345 businesses in early November and subsequently ordered shutdown of power to 51 businesses when inspectors discovered that wastewater and exhaust gas at those firms were at least more than five times above legal limits for normal waste and three times for harmful waste. According to Thanh Nien News, the Department of Natural Resource and Environment (DNRE) will not allow for power reconnection until those companies have changed their production processes to be in compliance with legal limits.
Such drastic steps taken to curb adverse environmental impact were possible as a result of cooperation with the city’s electricity company. Prior to the coordinated efforts, the DNRE penalized firms via punitive damages, but such fines were inexpensive and failed to discourage firms from changing their production processes. A survey conducted by the DNRE showed that, despite the penalties and company names being published on a blacklist, more than 50 percent of those businesses continued to excrete untreated wastes.
Based on a report from Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSA), noncompliant firms claim that they cannot afford the proper equipments to treat their wastes. Weak and inconsistent government monitoring has been another factor contributing to the worsening pollution in the city.
Briefly touching on environmental policies, punitive damages should be structured so that companies are incentivized to implement more environmental-friendly production processes and ensure that wastes are treated prior to being discharged. Companies that are found to be noncompliant with the legal limits should bear a considerable penalty such that they would carefully reconsider alternatives as opposed to taking the risk of another penalty. Prior to receiving approval to operate, businesses that plan to operate in HCMC should further be required to prove that their operations will not produce excessive waste or they employ the proper techniques to treat the wastes. Small to medium-sized businesses that cannot afford proper waste treatments should consult with the DNRE to inquire about proper production decisions and possible programs to assist small businesses in these matters.
According to the Czech Republic Development Cooperation, industries contribute 2.6 million tons, or 17 percent, of the total 17 million tons of waste generated in Vietnam each year; HCMC and surrounding provinces contribute 1.3 million tons, or 50 percent, of the industrial waste. Saigon River, which was a source of clean water and fish 10 years ago, is a hazard to surrounding inhabitants today. As a city that is in undergoing rapid industrialization, HCMC’s excessive levels of pollution may potentially impede economic growth by adversely affecting its own workforce, general public health and the environment. Thus, it is imperative that steps be taken with urgency and care to prevent further damage to the environment and protect the region’s residents.
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