A hi-tech livestock farm raising more than 20,000 pigs in Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam was forced to suspend operations from July 30 after it was found to have polluted the environment, Le Duc Giang, vice-chairman of the provincial administration, said on Tuesday afternoon.

Giang ordered the suspension after heading a delegation to inspect the operations of the farm in Tan Phuc Commune, Lang Chanh District the same day.

The farm, established last year, is run by Agri-Vina Agriculture Investment JSC, which is headquarted in Hanoi.

After the farm was put into service for a while, residents of the district's Tan Phuc Commune and Lang Chanh Town complained to authorities that the farm caused environmental pollution and the foul smells from the farmed animals made their lives a misery.

During a working session with the farm operator, the delegation discovered that the farm was raising over 20,000 pigs, each weighing 40-100 kilograms.

The delegation also confirmed that the farm's operations gave off the foul odor which affected the neighborhood.

The awful odor was attributed to the improper management and operation of gas-powered generators, which led to biogas leaking into the atmosphere.

The odor control system was in poor condition, while the use of chemicals and microbial products to reduce farm odors was inadequate.

Despite the operator's efforts to reduce emissions and bad smells, the measures were ineffective.

Local authorities had earlier inspected the farm and ordered it to address the issue, but the pollution showed no signs of abating and provoked concerns among local inhabitants.

Speaking at the working session, a representative from Agri-Vina Agriculture Investment JSC accepted responsibility for the farm's bad odors affecting residential areas.

They apologized to the authorities and residents and promised to take remedial measures by August 5.

Wrapping up the working session, vice-chairman Giang asked the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Lang Chanh authorities to supervise the remedial action of the farm and report its progress to the provincial administration.

The farm will be allowed to resume operations if its remedial action meets authorities’ requirements.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!