PHNOM PENH: Mango processing company Cangxinlong Food (Cambodia) Co., Ltd has been fined 300 million riel (approximately US$75,000) for failing to manage wastewater discharge, which polluted a public water source in Pailin province’s Stung Kach commune in Sala Krau district for the second time.
An inspection team from the Ministry of Environment, provincial authorities, Department of Environment, Department of Water Resources, Department of Agriculture and district authorities conducted an investigation into the company’s wastewater management on March 18 and 19.
The inspectors determined that the O’Roel stream was completely polluted from Kbal Lan to the Steung Kuy, with noticeable changes in water characteristics, a foul odour and critically low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels — falling below 3 mg/L, lower than the standard minimum of 4 mg/L – according to a March 20 statement by the environment ministry.
This pollution has had serious consequences for local biodiversity, natural water resources and community water use, both directly and indirectly, it explained.
According to Hem Rithy, deputy governor of Pailin province, the pollution has also affected a provincial fish conservation area managed by the agriculture department.
This is not the first offense by Cangxinlong Food. The company was fined 30 million riel (around $7,500) in 2024 for similar violations.
During the latest inspection, officials collected six water samples for further analysis, comparing them against the environmental standards set by Sub-decrees No. 27 and No. 103. Because this was the company’s second offense, the ministry opted to take strict measures.
The company has been ordered to immediately stop the release of wastewater into public water sources, including O’Roel stream and Steung Kuy, until they receive official approval from the ministry.
The company must install a liquid waste treatment system which is capable of meeting liquid waste disposal standards.
It must be provided by an environmental engineering service provider which is licensed by the ministry.
In addition, the company must provide compensation for damage to the environment and public health, according to the calculations of officials, in accordance with the Code of Environment and Natural Resources.
Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atiya explained the ministry’s decision.
“We enforce the law without exception. We have ordered the drain shut. Within a month of the March 19 letter we issued, the company must have a filter system in place,” he said.
The company also needs to restore the environmental the polluted areas. In the event that the company does not comply, further legal action will be taken. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
