On July 30, Dien Bien Provincial Police informed that the Investigation Police Agency is investigating and clarifying signs of environmental pollution at the arrowroot starch production and processing facility of Mr. Trinh Van Khoe (born 1980, residing in Na Tau commune), located in Cang 1 village, Muong Phang commune.
Initial inspection results show that at this facility, there are about 583.25 tons of galangal waste collected at 5 ponds but without waterproof tarpaulins or protective measures as prescribed.
In addition, functional forces also discovered 2 discharge points from the production area to the stream adjacent to the factory premises.
According to the investigating agency, the factory was built on an area of about 2.5ha, of which the production area is about 300m2. However, the facility did not invest in a collection and treatment system for wastewater and waste.
The entire amount of waste after processing is dumped into low-lying pond-shaped soil areas, allowing leaky water to see directly into the soil, posing a potential risk to the environment and water sources in the area.
To serve the investigation, functional forces conducted scene examination, took waste samples and seized related documents and evidence.
Notably, the dossier of the functional agency shows that since it went into operation in 2023, this facility has been inspected 3 times, recorded, and requested to stop operating to remedy violations of environmental protection. However, the facility owner continues to organize production.
Currently, the Investigation Police Agency of Dien Bien Provincial Police is continuing to collect evidence, consolidate dossiers to identify signs of the crime of causing environmental pollution and handle it according to the provisions of law.
