2,000 Tons of Molasses Spill Forces Suspension of Raw Water Use from Lam River in Nghệ An

Residents of Yên Thành commune in Nghệ An province are facing uncertainty as the Yên Thành Water Supply Company has been forced to suspend its use of raw water from the Lam River. This drastic measure comes after a significant incident: a 2,000-liter molasses tank at the Sông Lam Sugar Company burst, contaminating the vital waterway.

The contamination has affected the main canal and the N8 canal, which are crucial for supplying water to the region. The water company, serving approximately 8,000 customers, has had to tap into its internal reserves, which are estimated to last only six to eight days. This situation highlights the vulnerability of our water infrastructure and the potential impact of industrial accidents on public services.

Adding to the concern, dead fish have been observed in the Lam River and other connected canals downstream from the sugar factory. While the molasses spill is a suspected cause, authorities are investigating other possibilities, including sudden drops in dissolved oxygen due to organic load after heavy rains or potential pollution from upstream. The loss of fish impacts local livelihoods and raises broader environmental questions.

This incident underscores the critical need for stringent oversight of industrial facilities, especially those handling potentially hazardous materials. The Sông Lam Sugar Company's failure to contain its molasses has directly affected thousands of people and the local ecosystem. We, at Tuổi Trẻ, will continue to monitor the investigation and demand accountability to ensure such events do not recur and that our water resources are protected.

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The unit serves about 8,000 customers. The internal reservoir can supply water for about 6-8 days during the temporary suspension of taking raw water from the Lam River.