On 31/7, workers at the waste treatment area and surrounding areas began collecting waste after a dike breach at the landfill the previous day caused thousands of cubic meters of untreated water and garbage to spill out.

Garbage is collected and transported back to the landfill by tractors. Photo: Thao Vy

At the scene, workers wearing gloves waded through mud to collect garbage into bags, which were then transported back to the landfill by tractors. Excavators were also used to scrape up the garbage buried in the mud. However, the collection effort is currently focused around the landfill area and has not yet extended to the affected agricultural land and fish ponds of local residents.

According to Bo Y commune authorities, the incident spread garbage and wastewater across approximately 21,300 square meters of agricultural land and fish ponds, causing estimated damage of 1.8 billion VND. "The cleanup aims to prevent further pollution," a commune official said.

Environmental workers collect garbage outside the landfill. Photo: Thao Vy

Immediately following the incident, the commune directed the local Public Service and Project Management Board to temporarily reinforce the eroded areas with gabions. The board is also coordinating with design consultants, supervisors, and contractors to assess the extent of the damage and propose long-term solutions. Authorities are working with residents to document and calculate losses for compensation.

The Ngoc Hoi Integrated Solid Waste Treatment Area covers 6.8 hectares and has a total investment of over 49 billion VND. It was invested in by the former Ngoc Hoi District Project Management Board and began operating in April of this year. After the district was dissolved, the facility was handed over to the Bo Y Commune People's Committee for management.

A hole in the liner caused garbage to leak out. Photo: Thao Vy

Y Lan, chairwoman of the Bo Y Commune People's Committee, said that heavy rains since April had increased the water level in the landfill, putting pressure on the collection system. A damaged pipe joint led to the spill of garbage and wastewater.

Tran Phuoc Hien, vice chairman of the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee, directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to coordinate with relevant units to urgently investigate the incident. The units were also asked to report and propose solutions to address the incident, and to review responsibilities and handle any violations that may have occurred during project implementation.

Thao Vy - Pham Linh