Environmental pollution from pig farms

After many harsh complaints from people about the odor and wastewater pollution in Duong Hoa commune, the authorities and local government have stepped in to inspect, monitor and request the investor - Greentech Livestock Joint Stock Company to urgently and thoroughly overcome the environmental problems.

Wastewater from a pig farm is discharged into the environment. (Photo provided by local residents)

Since the beginning of July 2025, many households in Quang Son 4, Quang Long 7, Quang Long 8 villages (Duong Hoa commune) have continuously reported the strong stench spreading into the environment, mainly from 5 pm to 7 am the next morning. Life has been disrupted, activities have been seriously affected; many families have had to cover all door cracks, not daring to open windows at night because of the stench coming into the house.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Xuan (Quang Long 8 village) said: “We went to the source of the stream and discovered a sewer discharging waste from the livestock farm. The smell is very unpleasant, especially when it rains or the wind changes direction.” Not only that, the stream water near the residential area also changed color and gave off an unusual smell, suspecting that there was an untreated waste discharge.

The high-tech pig farm (Quang Son 4 village, Duong Hoa commune) invested by Greentech Livestock Joint Stock Company will be put into operation from October 2024. With a total capital of more than 600 billion VND, on an area of 45.2 hectares, this is one of the largest livestock projects in the Northern region, with a designed capacity of about 143,000 pigs/year (equivalent to more than 15 million kg of live weight meat/year).

People take water samples from a stream where there is waste discharge from a pig farm. (Photo provided by local people)

According to the initial commitment, the farm applies advanced technology, ensuring food safety and the environment. The waste, exhaust gas and wastewater treatment systems all meet national standards. However, actual operation shows that there are still many shortcomings, leading to widespread air and water pollution.

Mr. Dang Tuan Hiep, Vice Chairman of Duong Hoa Commune People's Committee, said: After receiving feedback from the people, the Commune People's Committee organized working sessions with Greentech Livestock Joint Stock Company and established an environmental inspection team. On July 11, 2025, the commune coordinated with specialized units of the province, the Provincial Police, and the Department of Agriculture and Environment to conduct an on-site inspection at the farm. Initial results determined that black wastewater was flowing into the environment and the stench was spreading as reported by the people. The inspection teams requested the enterprise to: Review the entire rainwater drainage system, wastewater, and biological pond; operate the wastewater treatment system at the correct capacity; do not let untreated wastewater overflow into the environment; urgently install an odor treatment system in the barn.

The stream water behind the pig farm's wastewater system is black and smells bad. (Photo provided by local residents)

At the following working sessions, representatives of Greentech Livestock Joint Stock Company committed to implementing urgent solutions to reduce odors and treat waste. Specifically: Spraying deodorizing agents in the barn every 2 hours; covering the storage pits, collecting manure and wastewater pits; reducing the capacity of ventilation fans by 50%, depending on wind direction and weather; temporarily stopping herd expansion, keeping the number of pigs at a stable level; adding windbreak nets behind the fans to limit odor dispersion; reinforcing the banks of the reservoir, installing additional pipes to collect leaking water; fermenting microorganisms under the barn to limit the generation of toxic gases.

Speaking at the meeting on July 14, 2025, Mr. Le Van Giang, General Director of the Company, pledged to complete the entire odor treatment system before September 2025; continue to closely coordinate with localities to inspect, monitor and publicize environmental treatment results to the people.

High-tech pig farm invested by Greentech Livestock Joint Stock Company in the middle of the mountainous forest area of Quang Son 4 village, Duong Hoa commune.

According to the leader of Duong Hoa Commune People's Committee, the inspection and supervision work is currently facing many difficulties because the farm strictly implements disinfection procedures and does not allow unauthorized people to enter the livestock area. The commune does not have a specialized environmental officer and lacks equipment to measure, collect samples and analyze indicators of emissions and wastewater. The Commune People's Committee recommends that the Provincial People's Committee direct specialized agencies to organize an interdisciplinary inspection team to collect samples, assess the level of pollution caused by the project and take strict measures if violations are detected.

Huu Viet

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/o-nhiem-moi-truong-tu-trang-trai-chan-nuoi-lon-3368599.html