Govt suspends e-waste plant over environmental concerns
Govt suspends e-waste plant over environmental concerns
The Hokeng Metal Processing Company, an e-waste plant owed by a Chinese operator in the Nonthong Special Economic Zone in Xaythany district, Vientiane has been ordered to suspend its operations by the government.
The suspension came after the company failed to install proper pollution controls at its plant, fuelling pollution concerns in the local area, according to a June 14 notice issued by the Head of the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Phet Phomphiphak.
The plant was suspended until it improves the pollution management system in order to make sure it does not cause negative impacts on either people or the environment, government officials reported.
The relevant government authorities have assigned the Ministries of Industry and Commerce and Natural Resources and Environment to work in cooperation with other relevant sectors to establish an ad hoc committee for inspection.
The committee has been tasked to undertake a thorough inspection and ensure that standards are met for dangerous pollution and to take measures against the plant so it will improve its standards and evaluate the environmental and social impacts.
The progress of the inspection has yet to be reported on by the relevant authorities. The plant is no longer allowed to process e-waste because it has a negative impact on people and the environment,” the notice states.
Containers of e-waste which were recently imported must be kept in safety, and they must not be used, produced or processed.
While the Hokeng plant is the initial target of the government's action, other e-waste plants in Laos are also facing additional scrutiny and new e-waste plants are banned.
The plant reclaims copper, lead, and other valuable minerals from computers, televisions, batteries, and other cast-off electronics, and then resells the metals to customers worldwide, according to local authorities.
The plant drains the wastewater into the surrounding fields, and during the rainy season it spreads to other areas, villagers complained.
In addition to the fear of water contamination, residents near the plant say the smell is horrible.
Villagers have trouble with the bad smells day and night when they are home, complaining they must stay inside the house with the windows closed.
People driving past that area also smell the burning, and it seriously upsets their noses.
