The operator of a cow farm in the north-central Vietnamese province of Quang Binh has been fined VND70 million (US$3,080) and required to make a public apology for causing serious pollution in a residential area.

The provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment has imposed the penalty upon Doan Ket Phu Quy Company, which operates the cattle farm in Quang Long Ward, Ba Don Town.

Aside from the fine, the firm was required to publicly apologize to local residents for causing environmental pollution in the neighborhood.

In order to resolve the contamination, the company will have to coordinate with the provincial Preventive Medicine Center to eliminate flies inside and outside the farm, as well as in the affected zones within the residential area.

It will also have to cease bringing new cows into the farm while dealing with the pollution.

The existing cattle are required to be consumed or moved out of the venue prior to April 27.

Residents in Quang Long Ward previously complained to competent authorities that the operations of the cow farm had brought foul smells and flies to the neighborhood.

The provincial environmental department later carried out an inspection of the facility and discovered the violations.

Results of the inspection showed that the wastewater treatment system of the farm had not been completed.

The operations of the venue did not follow some of the content stated in its environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, which was previously approved by local authorities.

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