For several days, 4 sao (2,000 m2) of rice fields owned by 40-year-old Nguyen Thi Tieu My in Ban Nham Nam neighborhood, Dong Hoa ward, near the Chi Thanh - Van Phong expressway, have been covered in black oil. A 9-10 meter oil slick in the irrigation ditch leading to the fields emits a foul odor.

Oil spills spread across fields next to the expressway. *Minh Khue*

According to My, this issue began during the flood season in 11/2025. High water levels initially prevented cultivation, but as the water receded, the oil became visible and has since spread.

"My family depends on these rice fields, and with oil covering them, we cannot make a living," she stated. She also noted that the water drainage system from the expressway to the fields is inadequate, leading to a water shortage for agricultural production in the area.

Approximately 500 meters away, 57-year-old Nguyen Thi Di and her husband attempted to remove the oil with buckets, but it proved ineffective as the oil had congealed and adhered to the rice plants. "With the soil this contaminated, I don't know if it can be restored. If not, we may have to abandon our fields," she expressed, noting that in over 30 years of farming, she has never faced a similar predicament.

Many farmers face abandoning their fields due to oil spills. *Minh Khue*

The Hoa Xuan Tay 2 General Agricultural Service Cooperative reports that approximately 2 hectares of rice fields are affected, with oil seeping into the soil, causing a foul odor and harming the ecosystem. Untreated, the pollution risks spreading further.

A cooperative representative explained that the waste oil alters soil composition, potentially killing plants and having long-term impacts on agricultural output and farmers' incomes. The cooperative has urged authorities to inspect and remediate the environment for cultivation to resume. Additionally, it reported the inadequate irrigation system to the Dong Hoa Ward People's Committee and the project investor.

In the long term, if water sources and pollution cannot be remedied, the cooperative may propose land acquisition to ensure residents receive compensation.

Over 2 hectares of rice fields near the Chi Thanh - Van Phong expressway, passing through Dong Hoa ward, are inundated with oil. *Minh Khue*

The Chi Thanh - Van Phong expressway, part of the North-South Expressway East section, spans over 48 km through former Phu Yen, with an investment exceeding 11 trillion VND. The project, which commenced in early 2023, was anticipated to conclude by the end of last year but faced delays.

A representative from Project Management Board 7 (Ministry of Construction) denied any direct discharge of oil into the fields. However, they suggested that floods in 11/2025 might have swept oil containers from the construction site into the affected area. The Board is also processing plans to add branch ditches and culverts to improve water supply to fields along the expressway.

Nguyen Hung Anh Kiet, Vice Chairman of the Dong Hoa Ward People's Committee, confirmed that local authorities will collaborate with the Department of Agriculture and Environment and other relevant agencies to conduct a site inspection. This will inform a plan for remediation and resident support.

Bui Toan