The Ba Ria-Vung Tau People’s Committee has imposed a VND1.3 billion (US$55,330) fine on South Korea-invested Kbec Vina Company for releasing raw sewage in excess of what is currently permitted.

In early February of this year, the environmental police division of the provincial Department of Public Security found Kbec Vina, had installed a drainage pipe connecting its sewage tank with the local rainwater drainage system.

The sewage from the drainage system flows onto natural streams, turning them yellow and leaving an unpleasant odor.

Competent forces collected wastewater samples from the affected streams for inspection, measurement, and analysis, and discovered that their environmental indicators were many times higher than national standards.

A corner of Kbec Vina’s waste dump which generates sewage. Photo: D.H. / Tuoi Tre

As a result, a fine was levied on the firm, whose legal representative is South Korean national Noh Kyung Hwan, for violating regulations related to the release of untreated wastewater. 

The South Korean firm was also suspended from discharging treated wastewater into the environment for 4-5 months.

The firm must pay over VND8 million ($340) for the assessment and analysis of wastewater samples.

Kbec Vina specializes in treating household waste and has operated in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam for over 10 years. The firm uses the burial method to treat waste, so wastewater is accumulated from the waste treatment process.

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