The Ministry of Environment has imposed fines amounting to "hundreds of millions of riel" on Jin Lu Yuan Energy Environment Protection Industry Co., Ltd., a laundry company based in Preah Niphean commune, Kampong Speu province. The penalties were issued for discharging untreated wastewater into a stream that flows into Kandal province, violating environmental regulations.
The ministry reported that the company had released wastewater that exceeded acceptable pollutant levels and failed to meet technical standards. This contamination affected a waterway in Kandal’s Stung Touch, located in Kandal Stung district, earlier this December. Despite prior warnings to stop discharging untreated water and improve treatment practices, the issue persisted.
A subsequent inspection revealed some improvement in water quality; however, the stream remains murky and emits a strong odor, indicating non-compliance with required standards.
Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya stated that the company has been fined and ordered to compensate for the environmental damage caused. The pollution has adversely impacted biodiversity and ecosystems in Stung Touch and Drainage 61.
The penalties were issued under Articles 287, 289, and 290 of the Law on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management and Articles 4, 6, and 9 of the Sub-Decree on Water Pollution Control. Additional charges may be levied under Articles 845 and 846 of the same law.
To address the damage, the company has been instructed to restore the drainage canal walls for better aesthetics and monitoring, with a deadline of January 31. It must also consolidate discharge points, separate rainwater drainage from wastewater pipelines, and implement a clear wastewater management system.
Jin Lu Yuan Energy Environment Protection Industry Co., Ltd., established in 2023 for laundry operations, now faces strict scrutiny as it works to meet these directives.
481.715 SRY