Cambodia Launches Probe into Suspicious Wastewater Discharge from Kandal Industrial Laundry

Officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment are investigating allegations by the public that commercial laundry KICYN (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. discharged treated wastewater into the Bati River. An inspection team from the General Department of Environmental Protection, joined by officials from the Kandal Provincial Department of Environment, conducted an inspection of the factory, located in Koh Khnor village, Prek Roka commune, Kandal Steung district, Kandal province, on July 27. According to a July 28 ministry statement, inspectors observed water containing foam and emitting an unpleasant odour flowing from the factory’s final wastewater treatment outlet into the river. A water sample was collected at the discharge point, immediately before it entered the river, for laboratory analysis. The factory operates 38 washing machines, 41 drying machines and seven wringing machines as part of its production process. Wastewater generated during operations is treated in a chemical treatment system using PAC, NaOH, PAM and soda ash, together with an aeration process, before being discharged through a drainage system into the river. The ministry said the company has completed the required Initial Environmental Impact Assessment (IEIA), holds a valid wastewater discharge permit and has installed an automatic water quality monitoring system. Data from the monitoring equipment indicated that the discharged water complied with regulatory standards. A preliminary on-site test also found the wastewater’s pH measured 7.94, within Cambodia’s permitted discharge range of 5.5 to 9.0. Despite the positive preliminary findings, the ministry has reiterated to the company that it is prohibited from releasing untreated wastewater directly into the river. The ministry added that the company will face legal action if laboratory testing confirms that the treated wastewater exceeds permitted pollution limits and has caused environmental damage.