Final article: A proactive solution is needed.
The environmental impacts of scrap metal imports in Dien Hong and Dien Thap communes, Dien Chau district, are quite evident. Besides the permitted imports, there are many cases of illegal imports of hazardous scrap metal containing chemicals that pollute the environment. Therefore, implementing a proactive solution (controlling imports at the source) that is appropriate to the current situation is essential.
(Baonghean.vn)The environmental impacts of scrap metal imports in Dien Hong and Dien Thap communes, Dien Chau district, are quite evident. Besides the permitted imports, there are many cases of illegal imports of hazardous scrap metal containing chemicals that pollute the environment. Therefore, implementing a proactive solution (controlling imports at the source) that is appropriate to the current situation is essential.
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Phuc Thinh (Team Leader of Team 2, Environmental Police Department, Nghe An Provincial Police) stated: Scrap metal is an item permitted for import according to the law, but taking advantage of the State's lenient import-export management policies, many individuals have transported prohibited goods such as used lead-acid batteries and medical waste into the country.
Environmental police are actively cracking down on the import of "dirty" scrap metal.
Since 2010, the Environmental Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police has detected and apprehended dozens of violations in the import of scrap materials. In 2010 alone, they seized 2,587 kg of waste lead-acid batteries and 419 kg of mixed scrap. And in 2011, authorities also seized over 19 tons of imported hazardous scrap materials.
Most recently, on June 23, 2011, the Border Control Force, in coordination with the Provincial Customs, discovered and seized a truck with Lao license plate UN-4590, driven by Mai Van Binh, residing in Dien Hong commune, Dien Chau district. The truck was carrying 19 tons of lead-acid batteries imported from Laos via the Cha Lo border gate (Quang Binh province), en route to Dien Hong for recycling.
However, the violations discovered recently are only a small fraction of the complex reality of scrap metal import activities. And although the law already has clear regulations on penalties for environmental violations, such as fines ranging from 2 to 10 million VND for importing scrap metal in violation of state environmental protection regulations.
The penalties for importing technology, machinery, equipment, waste, or substances that do not meet environmental protection standards range from 10 to 100 million VND, or imprisonment from a suspended sentence to 10 years. However, those importing hazardous waste still find ways to circumvent the law and avoid the control of authorities, such as transporting at night or organizing scouts to stop and hide goods if they spot law enforcement. Furthermore, some owners even avoid appearing in person during import procedures, falsely declaring the goods, and hiring a full-service transport company to deliver them to the recycling site. These practices create significant difficulties for authorities in controlling and handling the situation.
Furthermore, the environmental protection force is understaffed, lacks equipment (especially high-tech scanning equipment capable of detecting hazardous substances), and coordination among related agencies is limited. Therefore, the effectiveness of combating illegal activities in this field is still not as high as the actual situation suggests.
Therefore, it is essential to first strengthen public awareness campaigns to educate people about the environmental impact of importing scrap materials. Simultaneously, specific regulations and deterrent penalties must be implemented to prevent, combat, and address violations of environmental protection laws in the scrap import sector. In particular, enhanced coordination between customs, environmental protection agencies, and local authorities in areas with significant scrap import and recycling activities is crucial for controlling hazardous waste. Only then can we hope that scrap imports will bring economic benefits while simultaneously protecting the environment.
Dang Cuong
