Sihanoukville (FN), Feb. 27 – Following reports from local residents and directives from the minister of Environment, an inspection team from the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with officials from the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Department of Environment and authorities in Keo Phos commune, Prey Nop district, conducted an investigation on 26–27 February 2025. The inspection revealed illegal activities by the leather processing company CS TAN CO., LTD., which was found discharging coloured liquid waste and fatty substances into the sea.
The unauthorised discharge has caused serious environmental damage and disrupted the livelihoods of local communities. Residents of Keo Phos commune have lodged complaints, reporting skin irritation and adverse effects on fishing, which significantly impacts their income.
During the inspection, the Ministry of Environment team examined the company’s production site and wastewater management system. They discovered that the company had been discharging untreated liquid waste directly into storage ponds via a sewage system, bypassing any proper treatment process. A rubber hose was found connecting the storage pond to a nearby creek, approximately 700 metres away. Additionally, the team uncovered that the company had used eight water pumps to transfer liquid waste from Prek Kheap to a newly dug canal, which was deliberately concealed with tree cover before draining directly into the sea. The distance from Prek Kheap (the discharge point) to the sea is approximately 300 metres.
CS TAN CO., LTD. admitted to the violations identified by the Ministry of Environment, particularly the unauthorised discharge of untreated liquid waste into the sea. As an immediate measure, the authorities ordered the company to cease all wastewater discharge until a proper treatment system is in place and official approval is obtained from the Ministry of Environment.
The Ministry of Environment team collected water samples from five locations for analysis and assessment against existing environmental standards. Further legal proceedings will be pursued based on the findings.
Authorities informed the company that polluting water sources and causing environmental harm violate Articles 287 and 694 of the Environment and Natural Resources Code, as well as Articles 4, 6, and the newly amended Article 9 of the Sub-Decree on Water Pollution Control, and Article 8 of the Environmental Protection Contract. Under Article 845 of the Environment and Natural Resources Code, failure to comply with wastewater management regulations is punishable by imprisonment and fines. Specifically, discharges that cause harm to the environment, biodiversity, or public health are subject to prison sentences ranging from one to five years, along with additional fines based on the severity of the damage. Further penalties will be determined through legal procedures.
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth emphasised that every Cambodian citizen has the right to protect the environment. He commended local residents for reporting the violations, recognising their contribution to environmental protection. The minister also urged the public to continue reporting any activities that threaten the environment and pledged strict legal action against those responsible for environmental harm.
=FRESH NEWS
