Horrific pollution
In recent days, in the area of the ditch mouth flowing into Ha Long Bay, reporters recorded that the water in the ditch turned dark black, emitting a strong stench, spreading to the surrounding area, causing discomfort for people and tourists.
The ditch is the main drainage route of residential area 5B, Bai Chay ward. Along hundreds of meters, the water in the ditch is all black; even when the tide rises, the water still retains its black color, flowing out to the edge of the sea and then gradually thinning when dissolving into the water along the coast of Ha Long Bay.
At the scene, two large sewer gates continuously discharged water from the residential area's drainage system into the sea. According to records, the water flowing out is not only rainwater but also signs of domestic wastewater from residential areas and business establishments in the area.
This is not the first time this ditch has experienced serious pollution. Previously, at many times the water also turned black and emitted an unpleasant odor. However, after a period of calming down, the pollution situation recurred and showed signs of becoming more serious.
The water in the ditch has been heavily polluted many times and this time it seems heavier. Looking at it with the naked eye, the water looks darker than before" - Mr. Le Van Hieu - Bai Chay ward - said.
The continuous black water flowing directly into Ha Long Bay not only affects the living environment of people in the area, but also reduces the water quality in the coastal area of Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage Site.
Tracing wastewater discharge sources
After voters' reflections on the situation of wastewater pollution discharged into Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay Ward People's Committee established a field inspection team and worked with the owner of a nearby urban area, where the centralized wastewater treatment system is said to be no longer operating, causing difficulties in collection and treatment.
However, according to a representative of the urban area management board, the water source at the discharge gate is not only from apartment buildings in the urban area but also receives wastewater from residential areas and nearby business establishments.
Bai Chay Ward People's Committee said that through review, the ward has developed a plan to handle areas that do not ensure environmental sanitation.
Regarding the issue of wastewater and surface water treatment in the above urban area, the ward will continue to review and request the investor to complete the surface water collection system according to regulations.
The ward also requires business establishments in the area to collect wastewater, build septic tanks and treatment works to ensure compliance with requirements before discharging into the environment. The ward People's Committee will strengthen inspection and supervision to promptly handle violations.
The fact that the ditch occasionally turns black, causing many people to express concern about the increasing risk of marine environmental pollution, and at the same time hope that functional agencies will soon inspect, identify the source of wastewater and have drastic handling measures to protect the environment of Ha Long Bay.
Not only in this ditch, as Lao Dong newspaper has reported, along the coastal road of Ha Long Bay from Bai Chay to Hong Gai, Ha Long, there are many areas where wastewater is heavily polluted and also flows directly into Ha Long Bay. However, so far, there has been no definitive solution to the above situation.
