According to a source from the Binh Phuoc Department of Natural Resources and Environment, after receiving complaints from several households located near the company’s factory, the department carried out an inspection of the company’s activities. However, there is no final conclusion about the severity of the violation as well as the fines incurred, because the company is also suspected of being one of the culprits behind the mass dying of fish on the Sai Gon River on July 6.

A few days ago, the local authorities detected that Taiwanese Viet Phuoc Agricultural Product Co., Ltd. dumped hundreds of dead pig carcasses illegally into the Sai Gon River. At the time the local authorities arrived to inspect the scene, the bodies were already decomposed, filling the air with a foul smell.

A representative of Viet Phuoc said that the company rears 27,000 pigs and over ten die in stampedes everyday. Recently, the company’s incinerator broke down so the company asked their workers to throw the dead pigs into the river.

However, according to a resident’s opinion, along with disposing of hundreds of dead pigs, the company has also discharged wastewater into the Sai Gon River, causing the recent fish crisis.

It is the second time the company is investigated for environmental violations. In June 2015, the Binh Phuoc People’s Committee imposed a fine of VND313.2 million ($13,993) on the company for discharging untreated wastewater into the environment. Notably, the company’s wastewater samples showed pollution content exceeding by two to five times the permitted level.