Background
On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Environment conducted an inspection of a community solid waste disposal site located in Prich village, Rokar commune, Donkeo City, Takeo Province. The inspection, led by the Investigation Task Force of the General Directorate of Environmental Protection together with local authorities and the provincial environment department, found that improper solid waste management had caused repeated fires, smoke emission, and odors negatively affecting the local environment and community living conditions.
Scope of Application
The measures apply specifically to companies managing community solid waste disposal sites in Donkeo City, Takeo Province, with direct reference to the site in Prich village where environmental impact was observed.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- An immediate cessation of all burning activities at the waste disposal site was mandated to take effect without delay.
- The site operators were informed that they are subject to administrative penalties under the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Law No. 826, in accordance with Articles 161 and 668.
- Mandatory regular monitoring and inspection measures were required to prevent further fire incidents at the site.
- Obligatory readiness of fire-fighting equipment and rapid response protocols was enforced to promptly extinguish fires if they occur.
- Operators must prepare an initial environmental impact assessment report to be submitted to the Ministry of Environment for review and comments.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Operators of waste disposal sites must comply with the technical and legal directives issued by the Ministry to avoid administrative penalties, including possible closure and license revocation for non-compliance. The directive emphasizes environmental responsibility and sets a precedent for governance controls to mitigate pollution and health risks at waste management sites.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, via official Facebook post dated February 28, 2026: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryOfEnvironmentCambodia/posts/pfbid0QS5dhEi5s3wy4TipCxzgZH95ufMUR4ir32e1NB54ry7oXB9YswUFpjhVrGCQWfTSl
