KHANH HOA — Investigations have begun into the alleged illegal dumping of toxic chemicals and other industrial waste from the Hyundai Vinashin shipyard in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa.
About 60 tonnes of the waste is said to have been buried near a kindergarten on Tuesday evening last week. The kindergarten is situated at Phu Tho 3 Hamlet in Ninh Diem Commune, Ninh Hoa District.
The perpetrators of the crime were, according to environmental police who claim they caught them red handed, associated with the Hyundai Vinashin Shipyard, which is also situated in Ninh Dien Commune.
The harmful substances buried allegedly included dangerous chemicals used in shipyard work, oil, and other toxic materials.
During investigations, provincial police have closed down the operations of a waste-disposal company known as the Three-Nine-Four Veterans Ltd.
This company is said to have an agreement with the Hyundai Vinashin shipyard to dispose of its waste material.
According to police, since 1996, Hyundai Vinashin has produced more than 600,000 tonnes of untreated rubbish and more than 245 tonnes of steel filings and oil sludge.
The investigations will check on reports that this has seriously affected the environment and 700 households in the area.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which is controlling investigations, was yesterday handed all documents relating to the incident.
At present, the law does not allow environmental police to deal directly with those accused of violations. However, they have asked the provincial People’s Committee to help decide on punishment, according to Vo Duc Than, head of the ministry’s Environmental Office.
Than agreed that the case was considered to be “very serious” and that there was enough evidence to press charges. —
