The wastewater reservoir of San Miguel Pure Foods Vietnam.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of the southern province of Binh Duong on August 4 talked with San Miguel Pure Foods Vietnam about the incident at the company that led to the pollution of Ben Van stream and Thi Tinh River.

According to the department, this company’s wastewater reservoir was not in good condition, but the firm didn’t check or repair it. As a result, the reservoir broke and over 230,000cu.m of wastewater spilled out into the environment.

The department proposed the total fines of 106 million dong, equivalent to nearly US$6000, the highest level, for San Miguel Pure Foods Vietnam. This company may also have to pay environmental fees of over 1.193 billion dong, or over $66,000. It will also be responsible for compensating victims of the incident.

The firm’s representative Rene Salenga agreed with the proposals.

To deal with the incident caused by San Miguel Pure Foods Vietnam, the Dau Tieng Irrigation Company had to discharge water from its reservoir to dilute the polluted water.

Two water supply plants in Binh Duong and HCM City, which serve millions of people, were affected by this incident.