Ha Tinh not allowed to grant 70-year land lease to Formosa

VGP – Ha Tinh provincial People’s Committee violated regulations by granting 70-year land lease to Hung Nghiep Formosa Steel Company, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha told reporters at press conference on Tuesday.

August 03, 2016 10:58 AM GMT+7

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha at press conference following the Cabinet monthly meeting, Ha Noi, August 2, 2016. Photo: VGP

Under current law, local authorities shall only be allowed to grant land lease for a period of up to 50 years. The maximum 20-year extension, which can be applied to disadvantaged areas, belongs to the jurisdiction of the Government , he added.

Formosa was the culprit of the recent environmental breakdown in the four central provinces, causing mass fish deaths.

Recently, it was detected to hire a company in Ky Anh District, Ha Tinh Province to illegally bury some390 tons of industrial waste mud in the district.

According to Minister Ha, mud sample analysis showed that cyanide exceeded the permitted levels of hazardous waste. Luckily, the areas, including underground water, around dump sites have not been contaminated.

A cautious process of investigations is underway as it is an “serious” incident, said Minister Ha, adding that deliberate violations will be strictly punished.

Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung once affirmed that the Government will not trade off environment for economic interests./.

By Hai Minh