Environment at Vinh Tan power complex under scrutiny
The People’s Committee of the central province of Binh Thuan is urging relevant agencies and investors to channel efforts to prevent environmental pollution caused by Vinh Tan Thermal Power Complex in the locality.
A corner of the Vinh Tan Thermal Power Complex in Binh Thuan province. (Photo: VNA)Binh Thuan (VNA) - The People’s Committee of the central province of Binh Thuan is urging relevant agencies and investors to channel efforts to prevent environmental pollution caused by Vinh Tan Thermal Power Complex in the locality.
The complex consists of five thermo power projects: Vinh Tan 1,2,3,4 and expanded Vinh Tan 4. The Vinh Tan 2 and 4 power plants were put into use and the others are under construction.
There has been an increasing amount of cinders and ash coming from both construction and operation sites, leaving critical impacts on local residents. Locals once blockaded the National Highway No 1 to stop traffic, asking for the settlement of coal dust and cinders from the complex.
Particularly, sewage from the plants contaminated water resources and killed many perennial trees and crops.
A working group was set up in September 2014 by the provincial People’s Committee as part of efforts to supervise environmental protection at the complex. From December 2017 to February 2018, the group conducted 11 supervisions on the plants.
Investors also proactively worked to address environmental pollution. They already completed the installation of automatic monitoring systems of air and water pollution as well as increased the capacity of storing cinders and ash left from burning coal to make power.
Wastewater and air treatment systems as well as electrostatic precipitators are among solutions to the environmental pollution.
According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Van Nam, the province has recommended a special supervision programme for the Vinh Tan Power Complex to ensure environment conditions in the locality.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should make regular reports on the environmental impacts of the thermal power projects to chalk out rational solutions, he said.
In the long term, relevant authorities should seek measures to ensure livelihoods for people in the affected areas.-VNA
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