PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Environment has fined the owners of a battery and metal recycling plant in Kampong Speu and ordered it to pay compensation for environmental damage after a fire broke out at the site on July 29.
As many as 2,000 chickens were suspected to have been killed by toxic smoke from the fire, which posed a serious threat to public health, according to the ministry.
Officials inspected the site in Tuol Sambour village, Damnak Raing commune, Samaki Mony Chey district, the day after the fire.
According to preliminary findings, the blaze is believed to have been caused by the improper storage of lithium batteries, which were not handled in accordance with environmental safety standards. The resulting explosions and fire generated smoke and pollutants that affected nearby residents and animals.
As of 7pm on July 30, the site was still emitting thick smoke, while discarded batteries continued to explode intermittently, preventing officials from entering the storage area where used batteries and other battery waste had been stockpiled.
Residential buildings were located just 50 metres from the factory, while a poultry farm housing up to 20,000 chickens was situated next door.
Since the fire broke out, approximately 2,000 chickens have died.
The inspection team detected high levels of air pollution and is continuing to monitor the site while collecting environmental samples for laboratory analysis to determine the presence of hazardous substances.
Officials have issued urgent public health advice, urging residents to wear protective face masks when travelling near the smoke-affected area. They also advised people to protect food and water sources from becoming contaminated by the smoke.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people and those with respiratory illnesses. Anyone showing symptoms of exposure is being urged to seek immediate medical attention, the ministry noted.
The facility was approved by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation in December last year and began a one-month trial operation this year, purchasing and processing used batteries to recover valuable metals.
However, investigators found that the company had begun operations without preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and without obtaining permits to collect and store used batteries and battery waste.
The ministry said the company had violated Articles 668, 243, 271 and 272 of the Environment and Natural Resources Code, relating to the absence of an environmental impact assessment, the unauthorised collection, storage and recycling of hazardous battery waste, and environmental pollution.
In addition to imposing financial penalties and requiring compensation for environmental damage, the ministry has ordered the company to relocate its operations. – Phnom Penh Post/ANN
