VietNamNet Bridge – Nearly 7,000 litres of toxic oil that have been stored in a warehouse near Ha Long Bay since 2007 have been successfully treated, according to the Viet Nam Environment Administration.

Toxic oil to be sent to treatment plant

Illustrative image -- Photo: Tienphong

The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) transformer oil was moved last month from the warehouse at Cai Lan Port in the northern province of Quang Ninh to a hazardous waste treatment facility in the southern province of Kien Giang, the only facility in the country that can handle such toxic oil.

The transport and treatment fee of VND300 million (US$14,300) was paid by Cuu Long Investment Joint Stock Company, which imported the oil.

The oil was being stored in two containers at the warehouse and none leaked into the environment, according to the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

In 2008, local authorities found the toxic contaminant in one of three transformers imported from South Korea by Cuu Long Company.

The transformers were manufactured before 1975 and imported in 2007 to build the Song Hong Thermal Power Plant. But after the project was delayed, they remained in the warehouse.

Provincial authorities asked the company to return the transformers to its partner in South Korea. However, the company said its partner had refused to take back the transformers.

In May, the department worked with Cai Lan Port's Customs Division to store the oil and ensure it did not leak into the environment, especially nearby Ha Long Bay.

In 2008, the provincial People's Committee fined the company VND85 million ($4,000) for violating environmental protection regulations.

VNA/VNN