VietNamNet reports that, according to Dong Nai, a total of 10,454 hectares of aquatic breeding ponds and lakes in Nhon Trach and Long Thanh districts were harmed by untreated waste water from Vedan.
The Institute for Environment and Natural Resources calculated that if Vedan takes responsibility for 77 per cent of extremely polluted areas, 26.3 per cent of seriously polluted areas and 8.75 per cent for polluted areas, Vedan must pay more than VND104.3 billion.
In regards to fishing, it estimated that Vedan will have to pay over VND15.23 billion ($790,000) to Dong Nai fishermen.
On 2 June, Vedan Vietnam stated it would pay VND10 billion ($526,000) to affected farmers in Ba Ria-Vung Tau's Tan Thanh District. Earlier, the province requested Vedan pay VND53 billion in compensation to 1,255 households, but the company rejected the claim.
Previously, Vedan offered to pay total damages of VND25 billion to farmers in HCM City, Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces. The amount includes VND7 billion each for HCM City and Dong Nai, VND6 billion for Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and the rest for a social welfare fund.
The Dong Nai Farmers' Association turned down the offer and, recently, Vedan increased its proposed compensation amount to VND15 billion, which was accepted by the association.
HCM City People's Committee has issued an official document claiming nearly VND45.7 billion ($2.4 million) in damages for 839 households engaged in fishing and aquaculture in Can Gio District's Can Thanh Commune, reports VietNamNet. If Vedan does not pay in early July, they will bring the case to court.
In 2008, investigators exposed Vedan releasing its untreated wastewater in large quantities into the Thi Vai River in Dong Nai, causing serious pollution and great losses to fishermen and farmers.
Dong Nai Claims Compensation From Vedan
VIET NAM - Dong Nai province has requested Taiwanese seasoning company, Vedan, to compensate 119.581 billion dong (VND; US$6.3 million) area residents who suffered from its polluting activities.
