Allegations of waste dumping into the sea during construction: Da Nang Natural Resources and Environment Dept. responds

Concerns have surfaced regarding the Hoi An coastal protection project, with allegations of construction waste being dumped into the sea. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Da Nang City has responded to these claims, initiating an investigation into the matter.

Initial findings by local authorities suggest that the observed debris in the sea may be a result of the transportation and dumping of rocks onto barges. During the process, fine rock particles and dust accumulated at the bottom of the vessels. When unloading the rocks near the seabed, this accumulated material was inadvertently dragged into the sea, leading to the misunderstanding that waste was being directly discharged.

The project, undertaken by a joint venture between Dat Phuong Group and Thanh Tien Co., Ltd., is crucial for coastal erosion control and protection. Following an inspection, the Hoi An Dong Ward Police and the Cua Dai Border Guard Post issued a directive to the construction contractor. They were instructed to rigorously comply with environmental protection laws and absolutely refrain from discharging any waste into the sea under any circumstances. Furthermore, all vessels and barges must be thoroughly cleaned before relocation to prevent the spread of sediment and soil into the coastal waters.

The construction company has pledged to ensure workers adhere to proper technical procedures, enhance monitoring, and prevent any instances of waste discharge during the construction phase. Since May 5th, authorities have reportedly not detected any further environmental violations related to the project's activities. The Da Nang City People's Committee has also urged the project's investor, the Da Nang Project Management Board for Transportation and Agricultural Construction Projects, to strengthen oversight of environmental compliance at the construction site.

The incident gained significant public attention after videos and images circulated on social media, showing barges operating offshore near Cua Dai beach, allegedly discharging waste into the sea. This sparked widespread concern about potential marine pollution, ecosystem damage, and the impact on tourism, especially during a peak holiday period. While the investigation suggests the issue might stem from operational byproducts rather than deliberate dumping, authorities are maintaining a strict stance to ensure the pristine condition of Hoi An's coastal environment.