A May 19 spate of fish poisonings in the Stung Prek Tnaot River were caused by a combination of natural factors and excess chemical waste from a dried mango factory, according to Vei Samnang, Kampong Speu provincial governor. He clarified that the river was now running clean and that fish were no longer at risk.
He told The Post on May 22 that heavy rains had brought silt and sediment from other regions into the river, bringing a sudden change to the makeup of the water. This had combined with factory waste, and resulted in the deaths of several fish.
“After provincial authorities opened several sluice gates and returned water levels to normal, the problem was resolved, and the fish are no longer dying,” he said.
“We are pleased that the situation has returned to normal, but we have still carried out an inspection of the wastewater system of the factory in question,” he added.
Om Mak Theary, Kampong Speu provincial environment department director, said that an examination by his officials had determined that the factory had failed to build an adequate wastewater treatment basin, which has led to the flow of untreated waste into canals and small rivers and then into the Stung Prek Tnaot River.
“The flow of waste from the factory turned several streams and – eventually the Sre Khlong River – black, with a foul odour. This was compounded by the fact that several dams were closed, in order to store water, so there was less current flowing at the time,” he added.
The environment department claimed that the mango factory had polluted the environment and poisoned fish. The people of Peam Tung village in Treng Trayoeng commune and Koma Pet, Chek, and Krang Roluos villages in O commune, Phnom Sruoch district, were described as the most affected.
Mak Theary said his department had asked the Ministry of Environment for permission to implement administrative action against the factory and issue fines for the damage to the environment and natural resources.
Environment Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra said the ministry would look closely at the issue before deciding on a course of action.
“Ministry officials will work closely with the provincial department to determine the true cause of the fish poisonings. One they have reached a conclusion, the appropriate legal action will be taken,” he concluded.
