Authorities in the south-central Vietnamese province of Binh Thuan are considering the relocation of residents living near a thermal power plant due to air pollution brought about by the plant’s operations.
The Binh Thuan People’s Committee on Monday tasked the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment with reviewing measures to cope with pollution caused by dust released from Vinh Tan Thermal Power Plant, located in the namesake commune in Tuy Phong District.
The Vietnam Environment Administration previously coordinated with provincial authorities to examine the operations of the power plant, following reports of residents in Vinh Phuc and Vinh Tien Villages regarding the pollution.
The result of the inspection showed that the amount of dust coming out from the plant was 1.19-1.63 times higher than normal limits, while noise at night was 1.05 times higher than allowed.
Ashes pile up at Vinh Tan Thermal Power Plant in Binh Thuan District, Vietnam. Photo: Duc Trong / Tuoi Tre |
Inspectors have already required the operator of Vinh Tan Thermal Power Plant to come up with solutions to the issues.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has asked authorities in Binh Thuan to closely supervise the operations of the plant as well as taking measures to mitigate the air and noise pollution.
The ministry also requested local authorities to consider relocating affected residents.
Following the relocation, green trees should be planted around the power plant to mitigate dust and noise and to create an environmental safety corridor.
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