Vietnam residents 'suffocated' by stench from animal feed company

Residents in the My Hanh commune of Tay Ninh province, Vietnam, are living in distress due to a persistent foul odor originating from the Tien Dat animal feed ingredient company. For almost two years, the stench has forced locals to keep their homes sealed day and night, significantly impacting their health and daily lives.

"The smell is present in the morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. Residents can barely breathe when they go outside for exercise. Children and the elderly here suffer from constant respiratory problems," said Nguyen Ngoc Mai Suong, a resident. "I am sick myself, and when I come home wanting to rest, I can't stand this smell. I just hope the authorities can resolve this definitively for the people's sake," she added, expressing her frustration.

Bà Phan Thi Huong, another resident, stated the pollution has dragged on for nearly two years, despite multiple pleas to various authorities. "We have endured this for two years. There are many elderly people and children here; our lives are completely disrupted," she said.

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The smell is present in the morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. Residents can barely breathe when they go outside for exercise. Children and the elderly here suffer from constant respiratory problems. I am sick myself, and when I come home wanting to rest, I can't stand this smell. I just hope the authorities can resolve this definitively for the people's sake.

Local authorities previously inspected Tien Dat Company and found several violations. The company lacked approved environmental records, its boiler exhaust treatment system was incomplete, and it did not have a designated hazardous waste storage area or a contract for waste collection. Additionally, the company built a factory without a permit. The Chairman of My Hanh Commune People's Committee issued two administrative penalty decisions, fining the company a total of 195 million VND (approximately $7,600 USD) for construction and environmental violations. The company was also ordered to suspend operations for 4.5 months and relocate.

However, as of May 22, the foul odor still permeates the residential area adjacent to the company's production site. Hundreds of households in My Hanh commune are awaiting more decisive action to address the ongoing pollution.

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We have endured this for two years. There are many elderly people and children here; our lives are completely disrupted.