An environment ministry official takes a water sample from the Treng stream in Battamabang province’s Ratanak Mondul district. Environment ministry
A Chinese-owned fruit processing factory has been identified as the source of a polluted stream in Battambang province. Environmental officials have determined that the water source of around 500 households in two villages in Ratanak Mondul district’s Treng commune was affected.
After receiving a tip-off, a Ministry of Environment inspection team conducted an investigation in six villages along the lower reaches of the waterway.
They confirmed that the factory, which processes fruits and cashew nuts, was discharging untreated wastewater into the Treng stream.
The investigation, was led by Ke Vong Vathana, deputy head of the ministry’s General Department of Environmental Protection. It
was carried out in collaboration with provincial environmental officials, district authorities and local residents.
“The residents of Takruk and Svay Sar villages were particularly impacted, as they rely on Treng Stream for daily activities such as irrigation and livestock farming. However, no pollution was detected in Chisang village at the time of the inspection,” said a March 24 ministry statement.
At the contaminated site, officials found dead and dying fish, shrimp and crabs. Additionally, residents reported seeing around 10 otters in the affected waters.
Outside the factory, inspectors discovered more irregular wastewater discharges. Following the watercourse downstream, they found that polluted water had reached a private plot of land in Svay Sar village, located 3.5 kilometres from the factory. Water samples were collected from this site for further analysis.
Rann Kung, Treng commune chief, confirmed that approximately 500 households in the two affected villages were suffering from the contamination.
“This is a recent issue. We suspected the factory was responsible, but we hadn’t directly witnessed the discharge. The company is Chinese-owned,” he said.
The team is continuing to investigate the factory, with on focus on its wastewater treatment system, solid waste management and environmental compliance.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth recently shared that over 100 factories operating in Cambodia have the potential to release pollutants into the environment.
Without proper wastewater treatment, these discharges could significantly impact the country's clean water sources.
However, many companies are investing in environmentally responsible practices.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforcing environmental laws against violators.
As part of its Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028, the ministry has prioritised the cleanliness of land, water and air. Its water cleanliness campaign aims to ensure better public health, a sustainable environment, and responsible industrial investment, promoting a “win-win” outcome for all stakeholders.
