Causing serious pollution
On May 23, after receiving feedback from people, reporters were present at Phi Gle hamlet (Quang Son commune, Lam Dong) to record the actual operation of the pig gathering point.
According to records, the gathering point is built with solid barns, inside which dozens of fattening pigs are kept. This gathering point is owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Sen (resident in the locality).
Wastewater from the barn area is discharged directly into the Dak R'tih stream behind. Because pig feces and wastewater are discharged directly into the environment, the stream turns black. At the discharge location, the water is foamy, scum-filled and smells strongly fishy.
Next to the stream, there is also a black wastewater reservoir, with a strong stench.
Local people said that Ms. Sen's family's pig gathering point was built in 2014 and exists to this day.
Here, pigs are bought from many places and transported to be raised in captivity, then slaughtered and supplied to markets in the area of Tuy Duc district (old) and in Quang Son market.
According to people, the stench from feces and wastewater covers the entire area, causing environmental pollution; especially during barn cleaning or after rains, the stench is even stronger.
Ms. Vu Thi Luot (Phi Gle village) angrily said: "My house is only a few hundred meters away from the pig gathering area, so I have had to endure the stench for many years. Hot weather, family life is seriously affected, I can't eat well, I can't sleep peacefully.
Mr. Vu Trung Ninh (Quang Son commune) reflected: "For many years, my family as well as dozens of other households have had to live with the stench and pollution from Mrs. Sen's pig gathering point.
People have repeatedly petitioned the local authorities, but the pollution situation is increasingly serious. We hope that functional agencies will soon have measures to handle it to ensure the living environment for people”.
Illegal activities
Being present and witnessing the direct discharge into the environment from Ms. Sen's family's pig gathering point, one can understand the suffering that people here have been enduring for a long time.
Representatives of the Economic Department of Quang Son commune said that Ms. Sen's pig gathering point has existed for many years and has been continuously complained about by people about environmental pollution.
It is worth mentioning that this pig gathering point is located in a residential area and has not been licensed for construction by competent authorities.
According to records at the People's Committee of Quang Son commune, Ms. Sen's business household was only granted a license related to meat processing, preservation of meat products and road freight transport.
Mr. Doan Van Phuong - Chairman of Quang Son Commune People's Committee said that the gathering and raising of pigs here is for the wrong purpose, not in accordance with the business license that has been issued.
“People's reflections on the pollution situation are completely grounded. The locality has directly inspected and recorded the reality of discharge into the environment at the pig gathering and raising point of Ms. Sen's family. Currently, the Commune People's Committee is assigning the Economic Department to make a record of temporary suspension of operation of this pig gathering point for handling according to regulations,” Mr. Phuong said.
Currently, Quang Son Commune People's Committee is establishing an inspection team to take wastewater samples to assess the level of pollution; and at the same time clarify violations related to land and construction of Ms. Sen's household.
