Background
The Ministry of Environment conducted an inspection of Guo Binfen (Cambodia) Food Co., Ltd. located in Kampong Speu Province. The investigation was led by the Inspection Task Force of the General Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Environmental Impact Assessment, with participation from local environmental authorities and representatives from provincial and district administrations. The company was found to have technical shortcomings and violations of environmental protection laws affecting local communities and the environment.
Scope of Application
This inspection and subsequent measures apply specifically to Guo Binfen (Cambodia) Food Co., Ltd. operating within Krang Tat Ton village, Ou commune, Phnum Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province. The findings relate to the company’s wastewater discharge system and compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and environmental legal provisions.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The Task Force identified that the company’s wastewater discharge system deviated from the original EIA report and caused foul odors. Additionally, the operation of the wastewater treatment ponds did not comply with technical standards, and their capacity was insufficient relative to wastewater volumes. Violations of the Environmental Law’s Articles 156, 173, 287, and others were noted, including unauthorized waste discharge beyond permitted limits.
The Ministry of Environment enacted the following measures:
- Immediate cessation of wastewater discharge from production into external ponds to prevent pollution of groundwater, odors, and harm to local agriculture and residents.
- Reassessment and redesign of wastewater treatment ponds to ensure adequate capacity and compliance with standards.
- Internal penalties as per Article 826 of the Environmental Law and Inter-Ministerial Prakas No. 1070 addressing violations of Articles 156, 161, and 173 of the Environmental Law.
- Requirement for the company to apply for a wastewater discharge permit and submit air quality monitoring reports within company buildings.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to the Environmental Law and related compliance requirements for industrial operators. Companies must ensure technical adequacy of pollution control systems, obtain relevant permits, and regularly monitor environmental impacts to avoid enforcement actions. It highlights the regulatory scrutiny applied to environmental protection and the procedural steps for remediation and compliance enforced by the Ministry of Environment.
Official Source
The original announcement is accessible via the Ministry of Environment’s Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid0zFVpM2sC6hCpcZCwUUKakkrW76jY1P8MUWCxULW9SYPHmStC8EbM2VPSLgSjdA2Vl
