Temporarily suspend cassava processing to definitively resolve environmental pollution issues.

In 2018, Mr. Lo Van Quan's family in Phieng Ban village, Na Tau commune, borrowed 1.5 billion VND from the bank to invest in machinery and storage tanks for processing cassava, with a capacity of 25-30 tons per day. Since investing in this system, his family has had a stable income and has created jobs and income for dozens of seasonal workers. This year, however, his facility has been forced to cease operations due to incomplete environmental protection permits and wastewater treatment system documentation. This temporary suspension of operations has caused significant difficulties for the family.

Mr. Tam said: “We hope that the authorities will consider and guide us in resolving the obstacles so that the facility can resume operations soon, creating jobs and income for the people. My family also borrowed a large amount of capital from the bank to invest in machinery, and if it doesn't operate, it will be difficult to repay the debt.”

In Na Tau commune, there are 8 other establishments that have also had to temporarily cease operations. Most of these establishments have invested in high-capacity machinery, and they only operate at full capacity for about 2 months each year during the ginger harvesting season, leaving the rest of the time idle.

Mr. Pham Duy Hung's cassava processing facility in Trung Tam village, Na Tau commune, is in a different situation. Mr. Hung stated: "I temporarily suspended operations after the city's inspection team concluded their assessment of compliance with environmental protection laws in November 2022. During this suspension, I completed the treatment system and fully complied with all environmental protection regulations and requirements, such as: completing the wastewater and waste treatment system; investing in pulp and sludge presses, and aeration machines... I completed the system in April 2023 to be ready for this year's production season and submitted the necessary documents and project proposals to the relevant authorities, but no agency has yet come down to assess and grant a permit. Currently, with the cassava production season nearing its end, I hope the authorities will soon resolve the issue and grant a permit for the facility to resume operations."

In Na Tau commune, there are currently 9 cassava processing facilities. A review revealed that most of these facilities lack wastewater treatment systems. Some have wastewater treatment systems but do not meet regulations, have not registered waste disposal sites, and are discharging waste directly into the environment. Therefore, for this year's cassava harvest, the People's Committee of Dien Bien Phu City has requested that these facilities temporarily cease operations until they comply with environmental protection regulations.

To ensure that cassava starch processing facilities comply with environmental protection regulations, the People's Committee of Na Tau commune issued Notice No. 35/TB-UBND dated July 7, 2023, and Notice No. 54/UBND dated October 6, 2023, regarding the strict implementation of waste and wastewater treatment procedures in cassava processing, which were sent to each facility. Through on-site inspections, it was found that most facilities have not yet taken any action or shown genuine concern in maintaining, repairing, upgrading, or dredging wastewater ponds and tanks. Some facilities operate secretly at night, and when the commune's inspection team arrives, they are uncooperative and refuse to comply.

Undeniably, the activities of cassava purchasing and processing facilities in Na Tau commune over the years have contributed significantly to increasing people's income and alleviating poverty. However, requiring these cassava processing facilities to cease operations during the harvest season is mandatory to avoid the risk of environmental pollution.

Mr. Hoang Huu Con, Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Bien Phu City, said: To address the difficulties faced by cassava processing facilities that have invested in machinery and built treatment systems but have not yet met standards, the department will directly guide these facilities in completing the procedures to advise the City People's Committee on granting environmental permits in accordance with the law. The city has directed the People's Committee of Na Tau commune to review and re-inventory the entire area of cassava cultivation in the area to have a basis for calculating the production and capacity of existing cassava processing facilities. From there, a plan will be developed to grant environmental permits to facilities that meet actual requirements, ensuring both product consumption for farmers and environmental protection.

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