The pesticide manufacturer was found to have been dumping expired chemicals and pesticides in the area in mid-August. The chemicals are known to cause severe pollution and environmental damage as well as seriously harm people’s health, including fatal illness such as cancer and bronchocele.

The company has been fined VND421 million (US$20,000) for illegally dumping around 1.4 tonnes of chemicals and pesticides.

The Ministry of Health also ordered agencies and hospitals to offer free check-ups and support the local health department to examine and treat the affected. However, the damage and loss that the company caused has outraged farmers in Yen Lam Commune.

Therefore, the commune has hired Nguyen Van Hau, the lawyer who had helped southern Dong Nai Province win the similar suit against Vedan Viet Nam, to file their petition.

Le Nam, deputy head of the provincial National Assembly’s delegation emphasized that Nicotex Thanh Thai Joint Stock Company’s action has resulted in serious damage, polluting the environment, harming residents’ health, daily lives and their productiveness.

The extent and duration of the damage is also said to be difficult to establish, but the demand for compensation from residents are totally reasonable and legal.

The delegation also asked for a timely solution from authorities and agencies.