40418 [Pick the date] WATER QUALITY IN VIET NAM with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Vietnam ENVIRONMENT Monitor 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIET NAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MoNRE), the World Bank, and DANIDA contributed to the preparation of this report, the fift in the Vietnam Environment Monitor series. A team of consultants consolidated much of the data up to 2005 from a variety of sources, including published reports of government agencies, universities, nongovernmental organizations, individuals, and documents of the World Bank and international partners. The World Bank task team consisted of Messrs./Mmes. Tran Thi Thanh Phuong (Team Leader), John Morton, and Phil Brylski. MONRE was represented by VEPA staff Messrs./Mmes. Tran Hong Ha, Phung Van Vui, Hoang Duong Tung, Nguyen Van Thuy, Le Hoang Anh, Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh, Pham Quang Hieu, Nguyen Thi Khanh Binh, Luong Hoang Tung, Mac Thi Minh Tra. Consultants who assisted the task team included Des Cleary, Jorgen Carle, Lenart Emborg. National consultants were Nguyen Chi Cong, Nguyen Van Cu, Pham Ngoc Dang, Tran Duc Ha, Nguyen Thao Huong, Nguyen Thanh Hung, Tran Hieu Nhue, Nguyen Ngoc Sinh, Phung Chi Sy, Trinh Thi Thanh, Lam Minh Triet, Ngo Dinh Tuan. The document was peer-reviewed by Messrs. Rafik Hirji and William Kingdom. Other comments were received from Yoshiharu Kobayashi, Tony Whitten, and Keiko Sato. Ms. Le Thanh Huong Giang provided logistic support. Comments on the report were received from the ministries of Industry, Agriculture and Rural Development, Health, Construction, Finance, Planning and Investment, General Statistics Office, Departments or Natural Resources and Environment of the provinces within the three river basins, and many researchers. Special appreciation and thanks are due for the support and encouragement given by Mr. Mai Ai Truc, Minister, and Mr. Pham Khoi Nguyen, Vice Minister of MoNRE; Mr. Klaus Rohland, Country Director of the World Bank in Vietnam; Ms. Teresa Serra, Sector Director of the Environment and Social Development Sector Unit of the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Region; and Mr. Peter Lysholt Hansen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of DANIDA to Vietnam. The views expressed in the Vietnam Environment Monitor are entirely those of the authors and should not be cited without prior permission. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank Group, its Executive Directors, or the countries they represent. The material contained herein has been obtained from sources believed reliable, but it is not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed. FOREWORD Vietnam has a dense river system with many large river basins. Over recent years, rapid socio- economic development has strongly and adversely affected the environment of river basins. Today the quality of the water is being increasing polluted as a result of economic development, many river reaches to severe levels. Environmental concerns and economic development are not aligned towards sustainable growth. Under the Law on Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is required to prepare annual thematic reports on the state of the environment. In 2006, the Ministry compiled the thematic report Water Quality of Three River Basins ­ the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Systems. These three river basins are recognised as containing the most severely polluted rivers and lakes throughout the country. All are within focal economic regions and all three are also amongst the most densely populated areas. The Northern Economic Region, encompassing a part of the Cau and Nhue-Day river sub-basins, and the Southern Economic Region, located in the Dong Nai river basin, are two regions with the most intense and rapid economic development and play a critical role in the development of the country. The Vietnam Environmental Monitors (VEM) are annual reports on the trends, challenges and priorities that the country faces in environmental management. This year's report is the fifth in the series and builds on the state of the environment report prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. As in previous issues, which focused on environmental conditions generally (2002), water (2003), solid waste (2004), and biodiversity (2005), this VEN provides a frank assessment of water quality status and trends, highlights key issues, and identifies experiences and lessons which can guide decision makers in setting priorities for future action to improve the management of Vietnam's river basins. In order to provide adequate information on the current state of water quality in Vietnam, the VEM provides a focus on the water environment of the three river basins. In doing this the VEM reports on three main issues: The current state of the surface water of each of the three river basins, their pollution levels and pollution features; Identification of the main sources of pollutants, which are mostly attributed to wastewater from industrial production activities, human living activities and craft villages; and The current management of water quality in river basins and proposed priority solutions. While the water quality of other river basins might not be at the same level of concern overall as in these three focus basins, localised areas across Vietnam are experiencing serious pollution. The finding of this VEM should assist in understanding and dealing with these pollution problems. Contributing to this Monitor, are scientists from research institutes, universities, environmental management officers, international experts, and staff of the World Bank. The report also benefited from the interest and comments by agencies of the line ministries, sectors, and the local authorities in the three river basins. During the preparation of the report, a number of workshops were held to get comments on the concept note, outline, and draft reports. Data and information used in the report were updated as of the end of December 2005, and data for some emerging issues were updated up to September 2006. The Monitor has been prepared as collective effort of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the World Bank, and the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) ­ targeted to the wider readers who care about the problems of environmental protection for sustainable development. ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ Hopefully, this Monitor will be used to help the decision-making on water quality management and environmental protection across Vietnam, but particularly in the focus three river basins, and also be used as a reference document in the development of economic development plans and planning of related provinces. The Report should also be used to encourage the approach of integrated management of river basins for all other localities in Vietnam. TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword i Table of contents ii Abbreviations and Acronyms vi River Basins in Vietnam viii Major pollutants and their effects ix Summary xi CHAPTER 1: RIVER BASINS IN VIETNAM 1 1.1 River basin processes and values 1 1.2 Overview of river basins in Vietnam 2 1.3 Characteristics of the Cau River sub-Basin 4 1.3.1 Natural features 4 1.3.2 Natural resources and environmental features 4 1.3.3 Socio-economic features 5 1.4 Characteristics of the Nhue-Day River sub-Basin 6 1.4.1 Natural features 6 1.4.2 Natural resources and environmental features 8 1.4.3 Socio-economic features 8 1.5 Characteristics of the Dong Nai River Basin 9 1.5.1 Natural features 9 1.5.2 Natural resources and environmental features 10 1.5.3 Socio-economic features 10 1.6 Conclusion 12 CHAPTER 2: WATER POLLUTION IN THE FOCUS RIVER BASINS 14 2.1 Introduction 14 2.1.1 Water Quality Standards 14 2.1.2 Pollution sources 14 2.2 Cau River Sub-Basin 14 2.2.1 Current pollution levels 14 2.2.2 Sources of pollution 16 Industrial wastewater 16 Wastewater from craft villages 18 Domestic wastewater 19 Hospital wastewater 20 Animal Husbandry activities 20 Agricultural activities 20 Solid waste 21 2.2.3 Pollution forecasts 21 2.3 Nhue-Day River Basin 22 2.3.1 Current pollution levels 22 2.3.2 Sources of pollution 25 Industrial wastewater 25 Wastewater from craft villages 27 Domestic wastewater 28 Hospital wastewater 29 Animal Husbandry activities 29 Agricultural activities 29 Solid waste 29 River flow impacts 30 2.3.3 Pollution forecasts 30 ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ 2.4 Dong Nai River Basin 31 2.4.1 Current pollution levels 31 2.4.2 Sources of pollution 34 Industrial wastewater 34 Wastewater from craft villages 36 Domestic wastewater 36 Hospital wastewater 37 Animal Husbandry activities 37 Agriculture and aquaculture 38 Solid waste 38 Water transportation activities 39 River flow impacts 39 2.4.3 Pollution forecasts 40 2.5 Other studies 41 2.6 Conclusions 42 CHAPTER 3: IMPACTS OF WATER POLLUTION IN THE 3 RIVER BASINS 44 3.1 Impacts on human health 44 3.1.1 Clean water supply and sanitation ­ an overview 44 3.1.2 Domestic water supply human health impacts 45 3.1.3 Human health impacts from agricultural chemicals 47 3.2 Impacts on the environment 48 3.3 Economic impacts 49 3.3.1 Domestic water supply 49 3.3.2 Aquaculture 50 3.3.3 Agriculture 50 3.3.4 Pollution and river flows 52 3.4 Conclusions 52 CHAPTER 4: CURRENT WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT 54 4.1 Legal and policy framework 54 4.2 Environment and natural resources management in river basins 55 4.2.1 National level 55 4.2.2 Provincial and river basin level 56 4.3 River basin planning 57 4.3.1 Water resource planning in river basins 57 4.3.2 Zoning natural resources exploitation and wastewater discharge 57 4.4 Environmental impact assessment and wastewater discharge 58 4.4.1 Environmental impact assessment 58 4.4.2 Granting licenses for wastewater discharge 58 4.5 Setting priorities for pollution management 58 4.6 Application of economic measures 59 4.7 Pollution investigation and inspection 60 4.8 Resources and capacity 61 4.8.1 Staff 61 4.8.2 Financial investments 61 4.8.3 Environment monitoring and information system 61 4.8.4 Research activities 62 4.9 Participation of communities 63 4.10 Conclusions 63 CHAPTER 5: PRIORITY SOLUTIONS FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN 64 RIVER BASINS 5.1 Short-term actions 64 ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ 5.1.1 Dealing with the focus river basin as a priority 64 5.1.2 Actions for other river basins 66 5.1.3 Actions to strengthen the legal and institutional framework 67 5.1.4 Other short term actions 67 5.2 Other general measures for water quality management 67 5.2.1 Application of scientific, technological and economic tools 67 5.2.2 Capacity strengthening 68 5.1.5 Public participation and responsibility 68 5.1.6 International cooperation 68 Appendix A: Surface Water Quality Standard TCVN 5942 69 Appendix B: Planning Targets from the SEDP 2006-2010 71 Appendix C: References 74 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ADB Asian Development Bank DOE Department of Environment Danida Danish International Development Agency DoNRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment DWT Deadweight of boat EFR Economic Focal Region EPZ Export Processing Zone EIA Environment Impact Assessment GDP Gross Domestic Product GoV Government of Vietnam GSO General Statistical Office HCMC Ho Chi Minh City IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management IRBM Integrated River Basin Management JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency LEP Law on Environment Protection LWR Law on Water Resources MARD Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development MOF Ministry of Fisheries MOH Ministry of Health MOI Ministry of Industry MoNRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MOSTE Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment MOT Ministry of Transport MPI Ministry of Planning and Investment MRC Mekong River Commission NEA National Environment Agency NPK Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium NWRC National Water Resource Council RAMSAR The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 SEDP Socio Economic Development Plan 2006-2010 SOE State of Environment SOEs State-Owned Enterprises TCVN Surface Water Quality Standard TCVN 5942-1995 ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ TCVN(A) Standard for surface water used for domestic water supply TCVN(B) Standard for surface water used for other purposes UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation VEPA Vietnam Environment Protection Agency VND Vietnamese Dong WB World Bank OVERVIEW OF RIVER BASINS IN VIETNAM MAJOR POLLUTANTS AND THEIR EFFECTS Indicator TCVN Comparable Pollution effect 5937:1995 limit in Limit developed (B) country pH 5.5 to 9 6.5 ­ 9 The pH of a water source is important in maintaining a for freshwater proper ecological balance. The pH directly affects the physiological functions and nutrient use by plant and animal life. Extremes in pH can kill all life in a water source. Temperature From 2o to Varies per Wastewater temperature is important as biological 4oC of the location processes are temperature dependent, and chemical receiving reactions and reaction rates and aquatic life are all water temperature sensitive. Suspended 100 mg/l Can be as low Turbidity adds costs to the treatment of surface water Solids as 10 mg/l supplies used for drinking water. Particulates also provide (SS) attachment sites for heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead, and many toxic organic contaminants and many pesticides. High concentrations of particulate matter can modify light penetration, cause shallow lakes and bays to fill in faster, and smother benthic habitats. Dissolved > 0.2 mg/l Varies but can Oxygen is essential for the survival of nearly every living Oxygen be as high as thing -- even those living in water. Fish growth and (DO) 7.5mg/l activity usually require 5-6 mg/l of dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen levels below 3 mg/l are stressful to most aquatic organisms. Levels below 2 mg/l will not support fish at all. Biological 25 mg/l Varies but can BOD and COD determine the amount of organic pollutants Oxygen be as low as found in surface water. Waters low in dissolved oxygen Demand 3mg/l can lead to increased release of phosphorus from BOD5 sediments that can fuel algal blooms when mixed into the upper euphotic (sunlit) zone. It also leads to a build-up of chemically reduced compounds such as ammonium and Chemical 35 mg/l varies but can hydrogen sulphide which can be toxic to bottom dwelling Oxygen be as low as organisms. In extreme cases, sudden mixing of H2S into Demand 5mg/l the upper water column can cause fish kills. COD Total nitrogen Large inputs of nitrogen and phosphorous to water bodies can lead to eutrophication causing ecological changes that result in loss of plant and animal species, and affect the use of water for human consumption and other purposes. The nitrate level in drinking water is extremely important Total for infants. Nitrates in infants are converted to nitrites that phosphorus oxidize blood cells so that they can no longer carry oxygen, which can result in brain damage or suffocation. Water with nitrite levels exceeding 1.0 mg/l should not be used for feeding babies. Studies also show a correlation between high nitrate levels and gastric and stomach cancers. - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ Amonia 0.05 0.025 Ammonium is toxic to aquatic life at certain concentrations (NH3) It is toxic to freshwater organisms in concentrations in the range 0.53 to 22.8 mg/L. Toxic levels are both pH and temperature dependent. Toxicity increases with decreasing pH (as the water becomes more acidic and less basic) and as the water temperature decreases. It also exerts a demand on oxygen in water as it is transformed to oxidised forms of nitrogen. Oil (lipid) 3 mg/l Can be as low All types of freshwater organisms are susceptible to the as effects of excessive oil in water, including mammals, 0 mg/l aquatic birds, fish, insects, micro-organisms, and vegetation. In addition, the effects of oil on freshwater micro-organisms, invertebrates, and algae tend to move up the food chain and affect other species. Coliform 10,000 Primary contact The presence of faecal coliform bacteria indicates that the mg/l waters: faecal water has been contaminated with the faecal material of coliform counts humans or other animals. At the time this occurred, the below 200 mg/l. source water may be contaminated by pathogens or Secondary disease producing bacteria or viruses which can also exist contact waters: in faecal material. Some waterborne pathogenic diseases faecal coliform include typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis counts below and hepatitis A. The presence of contamination is an 2,000 mg/l indicator that a potential health risk exists for individuals exposed to this water. Metals The heavy metals linked most often to human poisoning Lead (Pb) 0.05 mg/l 0.01 mg/l are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Other heavy Mercury (Hg) 0.001 mg/l 0.0005 mg/l metals, including copper, zinc, and chromium, are actually required by the body in small amounts, but can also be Arsenic (As) toxic in larger doses. Cadnium (Cd) 0.05 mg/l 0.01 mg/l Severe effects include reduced growth and development, 0.01 mg/l 0.01 mg/l cancer, organ damage, nervous system damage, and in extreme cases, death. Exposure to some metals, such as mercury and lead, may also cause development of autoimmunity, in which a person's immune system attacks its own cells. This can lead to joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and diseases of the kidneys, circulatory system, and nervous system. The young are more prone to the toxic effects of heavy metals, as the rapidly developing body systems are far more sensitive. Childhood exposure to some metals can result in learning difficulties, memory impairment, damage to the nervous system, and behavioural problems such as aggression and hyperactivity. At higher doses, heavy metals can cause irreversible brain damage. Others: LD50 is an expression of the toxic level of pesticide. The Pesticides smaller the LD50 value, the more toxic the pesticide. The LD50 is the dose of a pesticide that will kill half of a group of test animals from a single exposure. The larger an animal, the greater the lethal dose required to kill it. The LD50 is expressed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight of the test animal. A pesticide with a lower LD50 is more toxic than a pesticide with a higher number because it takes less of the pesticide to kill half of the test animals. - SUMMARY Background Water resources are a primary input for a huge array of human needs and economic activities. These include domestic and industrial water use, irrigation, agriculture, recreation, bathing and transport. Water resources also help sustain the integrity of the ecosystems and natural processes that serve important ecological and hydrological functions upon which communities and globally important biodiversity depend. The 2003 Vietnam Environment Monitor (VEM) and the 2005 State of the Environment Report identified the degradation of Vietnam's water resources as a result of declining water quality as a growing problem in urban and economic development areas, where households and industrial enterprises are using rivers, lakes, wetlands and canals as waste sinks. This is especially acute in the population and economic centres of the North and South. The Government of Vietnam (GoV) has recognised water pollution as a development priority. Through its Five-year Socio-economic Development Plan (SEDP) (2006-2010) the GoV has identified the preservation and improvement of the ecological environment as a key task and has set specific targets for pollution control. The Natural Resources and Environment Sector Strategy further describes actions to be undertaken to meet these targets including measures to improve the environmental quality of river basins. As part of this strategy and in response to growing public pressure, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has identified three river basins as priorities for water pollution control in the country. In support of this GoV priority, the draft 2006 World Bank Country Assistance Strategy identifies "Managing Natural Resources and the Environment" as one of its key pillars. The draft strategy highlights the impact of Vietnam's rapid growth on pollution and environmental degradation and identifies the need to improve the management of water resources and to reduce environmental degradation through better waste management. The purpose of the VEM series is to raise public awareness and provide concise information and analysis on the current state of knowledge of environmental issues in Vietnam for use by decision- makers. The specific objectives of this VEM are to: Highlight the importance of water quality in river basins to ecology, economy, livelihoods, food supply, and health in Vietnam; Assess the status of water quality and resulting impacts within three focus river basins - the Cau, Nhue ­ Day, and Sai Gon ­ Dong Nai; Assess the current and future pressures on water quality in these basins; and, Identify the challenges for improving water quality, particularly for these river basins, and how this can apply to river basins nationally. Characteristics of the focus river basins The Dong Nai River basin is a large river catchment area located in southern Vietnam. About 15% of the basin area lies outside of the country. The Cau River and the Nhue-Day River are sub-basins of the much larger Red River basin in northern Vietnam - comprising 8% and 10% of the basin respectively. The three basins are critically important to the national and regional economies and are located in key economic development zones. All three are experiencing rapid and sustained population growth and corresponding urbanisation processes, coupled with rapid and concentrated industrial development. This includes both large scale developments in industrial and export processing zones and smaller but intense developments in craft villages. They have rates of population densities and growth well above the national average. - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ Undoubtedly the key factor that will affect pollution of the three river basins is the current and planned level of socio-economic development. The overall planning targets for Vietnam are set out in the Socio Economic Development Plan 2006-2010 (SEDP) and they concern the drive to consolidate the industrialisation of the country as a means of increasing GDP per capita and reducing poverty. With respect to the Cau River and the Nhue-Day River sub-basins, the Northern Economic Focal Region (EFR) aims to achieve an average annual economic growth rate of 11%. Within the industrial sector, priority is given to knowledge intensive products (such as software), products of electric and electronic engineering, equipment and machinery, steel and ship building, coal, cement, high quality construction materials, food processing, textile and garment, and leather industries. The rate of urbanisation is expected to increase from the existing 31% to 52% in 2010, and 65% in 2020. With respect to the Dong Nai River basin, The Southern EFR is the industrial powerhouse of the country with more than 8,500 firms employing 1.5 million people. The EFR aims to achieve an average annual GDP growth rate of 14%, and to increase the share of the `industry and construction' sector to 53%. Priority is given to the development of high value added and knowledge­based products (such as software, industrial and civil electronics), oil, gas and petrochemical products. The leather tanning and dressing, wearing apparel, and food and beverage sectors represent 56% of all industrial employment in the Southern EFR. These last two sectors include more than 2,200 enterprises, or 26% of all firms in the region. In the face of such sustained economic expansion, water availability ­ river flows per person ­ is low in the three basins compared to national average and international standards. All three basins are below the level of having "inadequate water" and the Cau River is currently below the much lower "water stress" level. By 2025 the Dong Nai River will also be below this level. This accentuates water shortages and conflicts over access to water over the long dry periods, and exacerbates the effects of poor water quality. Water quality in all three river systems is greatly influenced by river flows and their management. Agricultural development remains a strong sector for all three basins both now and into the future, even though it is declining in relative economic importance. The natural resource and environmental values of the three basins in the mid and lower reaches are under increasing threat. Conservation areas are few and not isolated from the effects of development. Throughout the basins, forest cover is declining in area and quality, reducing water retention for the dry periods and the ability to mitigate floods. Pollution levels In this Monitor, Surface Water Quality Standard TCVN 5942-1995 (TCVN) is used to evaluate water quality in the three rivers basins ­ see Appendix A. Pollution levels of rivers in the lower reaches of the Dong Nai River Basin are the worst in the country. The Thi Vai River is the most polluted in the basin with a "dead" section of 10 km, and drainage canals in inner Ho Chi Minh City suffer similar levels of pollution - extremely low DO levels, and high levels of N-NH4, mercury and zinc. While these are the worst examples, there are many other pollution "hot spots" in the basin. The Nhue-Day River sub-basin is also severely polluted in places. The Nhue River is the worst and is seriously polluted in its upper reaches as it receives most of the urban drainage and domestic wastewater from Hanoi. . Even in the flood season, BOD5, DO, NH4+, and coliform all fail to meet TCVN (B). Within Hanoi, surface water in rivers, lakes and drains is also seriously polluted. Levels of DO are low, COD exceeds the standard by 7 to 8 times, BOD5 by 7 times and coliform by 2 times. While these are the worst examples, there are many other pollution "hot spots" in the sub-basin. - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ The Cau River section flowing through Thai Nguyen is seriously polluted. SS, BOD5 and COD exceeding TCVN (A) by 2 to 3 times, and the waters contain oil residues. There are other badly polluted areas in the sub-basin, mostly from organic pollution. These findings are consistent with those from the technical report Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, (ICEM for The World Bank, January 2007). In terms of water pollution, this study ranked all provinces in the country. Of the top 10 that are experiencing the worst pollution, 7 are provinces/cities in the three focus river basins. Of the top 5 provinces/cities, 4 are in the Dong Nai River Basin. For the top ten provinces, the analysis was extended down to commune and enterprise level. This showed that Cam Gia commune in Thai Nguyen province was ranked first overall ­ suffering the most pollution generally ­ and first in terms of metals and SS discharged to surface water. It also ranked in the top ten nationally for chemical pollution and BOD. Di An commune in Binh Duong ranked second nationally and also ranked in the top ten nationally for all pollutant types. The pollution in the three river basins is generated from a number of sources ­ although point sources are by far the most significant. For the Cau River sub-basin the major pollution is caused by industrial production, craft villages and urban runoff. Wastewater from mining and mineral processing makes up 55% of the total industrial wastewater, metal production (29%) is the second largest, then paper production (7%), and food processing (4%). In the Nhue-Day River sub-basin, domestic wastewater accounts for the biggest proportion of wastewater (56%), making this sub-basin different to many other basins. Industry contributes 24% of the wastewater and craft villages 4%. In the industrial sector, mechanical engineering makes up 33% of production activities, food processing 15%, weaving and dying 13%, construction materials 13% and chemicals and paper manufacturing 8%. Major pollution in the Dong Nai River basin is dominated by domestic and industrial wastewater. Key industries that cause pollution dominate ­ for example, the wearing apparel, fabricated metal products, rubber and plastics products, and food and beverage industrial sectors in Ho Chi Minh City together represent 47% of all industrial facilities. In Binh Duong the leather tanning and dressing sector employs 27% of all industrial labour in the region. A similar situation is found in Dong Nai where the leather tanning and dressing sector has 34.3% of all industrial employment. The technical report Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, (ICEM for The World Bank, January 2007) found that, although BOD and TSS loads represent the largest in terms of their relative share to overall water pollution, of most concern are chemicals and metals. Their persistence in the environment and potential health linkages makes them a higher priority in the short-term. Chemicals and metals that are highly toxic and represent high load shares to water in Vietnam include: ammonia, chlorine, chromium and formaldehyde. In addition, the analysis found that sub-sectors associated with highly toxic materials for water pollution are fertiliser, pesticide, paper and paperboard, plastics and leather sectors. Most of these industrial sectors are prominent in the three river basins and these should form the basis for a focused approach to water quality management. Non-point source pollution is caused by land clearing and development (leading to high levels of SS in many rivers) and runoff containing agricultural chemicals. Agricultural chemical are used by a high proportion of the population and on large land areas. Most of pesticides used are of high toxicity level and some chemicals classified as prohibited or of restricted use are available. The application of chemicals is usually far greater than recommended, levels of exposure are unnecessarily high, costs of chemical use is high but efficiency is low. Most farmers have little awareness of the negative impacts of pesticide use and do not have proper protective measures and storage facilities, and wash their equipment in river or lakes. Future projections - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ In terms of the future, the environmental pollution level of the basins has been analysed based on three scenarios: Scenario 1: The wastewater volume in the basin increases according to the planning targets, but is not treated; Scenario 2: The wastewater volume in the basin increases according to the planning targets, but with 30% of all wastewater treated (existing and additional); Scenario 3: The wastewater volume in the basin increases according to the planning targets and all of the wastewater (existing and additional) is treated to meet environmental standards. Scenario 1 projections indicated that, compared to 2005, the 2010 wastewater volume discharging into the three river basins/sub-basins will have increased by up to 1.8 times. Projections under Scenario 2 show some significant improvements over Scenario 1. However, the water quality would not meet TCVN (A). Under Scenario 3, as expected, there are further improvements. In the Cau River sub-basin the water quality would nearly meet TCVN (A) meaning that the surface water could generally be supplied for domestic use purposes after appropriate treatment. However, in the Nhue-Day and the Dong Nai River systems, although pollution levels would be within the standard for the relatively less polluted areas, at some locations predicted levels would still exceed TCVN (A). This indicates an enormous amount of residual pollution in the system and means that extensive and costly treatment would be required for the water at these locations to be suitable for drinking water. Even to get to this stage, significant investment in treating current wastewater loads would be required as well as ensuring all new developments are treated to proper environmental standards. Impacts of pollution levels Many people of the three river basins do not have access to clean water. In the Cau River sub-basin the average percentage of people having clean water is 61%; for the Nhue - Day this figure is 70%; and for the Dong Nai - Sai Gon it is 67%. As the investment costs for a household domestic water treatment system is often much higher than rural people's average income, many rural people must take their water supply directly from rivers or from lakes and ponds around the home. When the surface water source is degraded, people are quickly and significantly affected. Although it is it difficult to accurately assess the contributions of poor water quality to human health, there is a clear link between the regular use of polluted water and human illness. In the three river basins/sub-basins the rate of sicknesses related to surface water quality has been high ­ provinces and communes located near polluted rivers generally have higher rates of dysentery and diarrhoea than those located away from such rivers. However, this recent trends show declining levels of sickness. There are also a high proportion of cases of children infected with diseases related to contaminated water, as children are more vulnerable and easily affected by their environment. In the three focus basins, rivers are a common source of supply for towns. However, as most raw water quality generally does not meet the standards, the raw water needs to be treated before it can be provided to communities. This is imposing substantial costs on the river communities. In some cases where the water is badly polluted, water production facilities at times cannot cope and have to be stopped completely. The use of agricultural chemical is causing ill-health in the farming community. A study has found that around 25% of farmers were suffering from health problems, and that over 12% of people suffer problems at least once, over 4% twice, and 0.5% three times during their working lives. Polluted water also has a major impact on irrigation. On the one hand, because of the high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in wastewater, the additional application of chemical fertilisers became unnecessary, or could be considerably reduced. But on the other hand, and much more - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ seriously, the rice yield in the pollution-affected locations is lower, especially for the summer paddy rice. The need for satisfactory water quality to maintain viable aquaculture operations is an increasing problem in the three basins/sub-basins. Poor water quality has a significant influence on the quality and quantity of aquaculture product, and can result in loss of production of culture species. In all three river systems, there are currently water shortages in the dry months, which are quite serious in some locations. The continual flow of wastewater to the rivers and the extraction of water from the river for agriculture and other purposes have lead to serious deteriorations in water quality. Water quality does not meet requirements for domestic use or aquaculture, limiting opportunities for development and imposing real costs on river communities by making the scarce water resources less productive and useful. Current management of water quality Recent changes have now provided a legal and institutional basis that will allow water quality and environmental management to be effectively dealt with. There is clear Government commitment, there are strong laws and the institutional framework is sound. However, the reforms are recent and much of this is still new to Vietnam. The application of approaches and the use of management tools are mostly in their initial stages. Institutionally, the major weakness is the establishment of coordinating arrangements at the river basin scale. The current principle of the administrative system is to combine state management of the sectors with management at central, provincial, district and village administrative levels. However, river basin management must provide leadership and coordination at the regional levels. As a result, it is impossible to use normal administrative boundaries and a coordinating mechanism is needed. To date attempts to make this happen have not been effective. However, as a result of Government Decision 43/2007/TB-VPCP, clearly establishing MoNRE as the lead agency for river basin management, a Government Decree on management of river basins is being prepares and this should provided a firmer base for the coordinating arrangements. A start has been made on the application of various tools for water quality management ­ planning, the application of environmental impact procedures, licensing, pollution discharge fees, and investigation and inspection. However, there are problems with the application of all of these ­ there are no river basin plans; environmental protection plans are not effective; environmental impact reports are not always done, are not effective, are not being complied with and are not checked; licensing has only just started; pollution discharge fees are not being applied uniformly and fairly across all sectors and in all areas; and investigation and inspection is limited and not consistent. As well, staff and financial resources are not adequate to make real in-roads in the backlog of work required to achieve sustainable natural resource management, including pollution and water quality management. Data and information is also limited and not properly shared, providing an inadequate basis for management decisions. Priority solutions for water quality management in river basins The three focus river basins must be the priority for the immediate future ­ they suffer the worst pollution in the country, pollution levels are severe and the situation is declining rapidly. For these river basins, it will be essential to firstly set priorities for better management of wastewater discharge. This will allow the appropriate controls, regulations and management actions to be developed and implemented in a strategic and focussed way, making the best use of scarce resources. Under the ADB Second Red River Basin Sector Project (TA 3892 ­ VIE), consultants ICEM are currently undertaking this work for the Day River sub-basin, as a basis for setting priorities for management action and building a pollution inventory. A comprehensive approach is underway to - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ assess all activities in the river basins that are impacting on the quality of water, including an assessment of their current and future risk to communities. Using the skills and experience gained in the analysis for the Day River, it is hoped that MoNRE can undertake a similar analysis for the Dong Nai River basin, and also for the Cau River sub-basin, at least in some form. MoNRE should urgently seek international support for this work, given its importance. The result of the pollution assessment will be the identification of priority industries or sectors that are causing the most significant impacts within the focus river basins. For these industries or sectors, a suite of focused point source pollution prevention measures can then be developed and applied, including: Setting levels of water quality to be achieved in well defined stages, each subsequent target closer to the required water quality objective. . Accelerating licensing of wastewater discharges for the priority industries/sectors in the high risk provinces, districts and communes. MoNRE should lead a focused approach with the Provinces to deal with the highest risk industry types and develop industry specific licensing provisions for these priority industries/sectors and apply them to the specific establishments. Concentrating regular environmental inspections and investigations on these priority industries/sectors and priority locations. Strengthening the application of Decree No. 67/2003 and its operation for the priority industries/sectors, and progressively linking these charges to wastewater licensing provision to make closer links between rights and responsibilities. Creating favourable conditions for enterprises in the priority industries/sectors to access loan sources from Vietnam's Environmental Protection Fund as well as other financial sources. Other short -term actions for the Done Nai River basin should also be taken: Concentrate pollution activities on the 87 units in the basin which are listed under Decision No. 64/2003; Temporarily ban investment permits for 5 industrial types and limit the number of investment permits for another 5. Obtain approval of the submitted plan for the environment protection of Dong Nai River basin. Carry out a comprehensive study of the river flow regimes of the Thi Vai Rivers and propose solutions for better managing flows, supplementing water resource and making the most of the assimilative capacity of the river. Other short -term actions for the Day River sub-basin should also be taken: Concentrate pollution activities on the 52 units in the sub-basin which are listed under Decision No. 64/2003; Limit the number of investment permits for 5 industrial types. Accelerated the development of the plan for environmental protection of the Nhue­Day River system and submit to the Government for approval. Coordinate the regulation of flows from the Red River to the Day and Nhue Rivers in the dry and wet seasons to improve the ability of the river system to provide a source of fresh water for domestic use and agricultural production, and to enhance the assimilative capacities of the rivers in the sub-basin. The analysis for this will take place under the ADB Second Red River Basin Sector Project (TA 3892 ­ VIE). Other short -term actions for the Cau River sub-basin should also be taken: - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ Concentrate pollution activities on the 45 units in the sub-basin which are listed under Decision No. 64/2003; Limit the number of investment permits for 2 types of industrial activities. Strictly control sand exploitation on the Cau River to sustainable levels of extraction. Other common short -term actions for the three basins should also be taken: Zone some areas for safe vegetable production, and warn people of the high risks of using polluted water source for food production; In waters whose quality is better than the level specified in water quality objectives, establish measures to prevent contamination from all sources. It is just as important to protect these areas as it is to restore the degraded areas. Stop further deforestation and encourage re-forestation with the view to achieving the national targets for forest cover, particularly in the upper areas of the basins. As well, MoNRE's current river basin planning initiatives for the northern economic zone, which includes the Day/Nhue and Cau River sub-basins, and for the Dong Nai River basin, should be strengthened and supported. To facilitate this short -term work for the three focus basins, additional resources should be allocated to local authorities in the areas required to deal with the priority industries/sectors, from the 1% of the annual State budget committed to fund environment protection. As well, all investment opportunities in pollution control and management for the three focus basins should be based on the priority setting work outlined above. Although at the national level the concentration should be on the three focus river basins, there are many other water quality issues in the country that Provinces must deal with. The short -term actions in relation to these are to: Set priorities for water quality management based on risk analysis to allow the appropriate controls, regulations and management actions to be developed and implemented in a strategic and focussed way. Concentrate pollution activities on these priorities and on the units causing serious environment pollution as listed under Decision No. 64/2003. Develop zoning plans for water resource exploitation and wastewater discharge for priority areas. These will be a foundation for the issue of wastewater discharge permits based on the assessment of the assimilative capacity of each river section and the national standards. Accelerate licensing of wastewater discharges in the high risk provinces, districts and communes. Focus on the highest risk industry types and develop industry specific licensing provisions for these priority sectors. In badly polluted waters set intermediate levels of water quality to be achieved in well defined stages, each subsequent target closer to the required water quality objective, until it is finally met. Continual improvement should be a fundamental principle guiding water quality management. Other short -term actions are also proposed. These include Revisions to the Law on Water Resource to incorporate integrated water resources management concepts. MoNRE is planning to review the Law during 2008. Promulgating a Decree on the management of river basins, which will detail how integrated water resources management and environmental protection will be implemented at the river basin scale. MoNRE is finalising such a decree and will submit it to the Government in mid 2007. Support the implementation of this decree with comprehensive community awareness, guidelines and capacity development. - ! "#$ % #& # '( ) *( + , $ $ Improve public knowledge of the importance of water to life. MoNRE should lead and implement awareness campaigns on the importance and values of the environment to the lives of the community, with the contents and delivery appropriate to each group in society. Strengthen the plans for dealing with safety measures for handling and using agricultural chemicals by furthering a national program for the training/education for farmers, strengthen the pesticide registration scheme, and expand the inspection and control of pesticide importation, distribution and use. Urgently strengthen the EIA system and its operation, particularly in relation to developments that affect water quality in the three river basins. This system must become the means through which the impacts of developments are thoroughly and transparently appraised and potentially affected communities can put their views forward. This report shows how critical it will be to ensure that new developments all meet environmental standards. Arising from this report is a range of other general measures that should be used to address water pollution in river basins. Some of these have short -term application, some are on-going; others are more longer term in nature. These cover the application of scientific, technological and economic tools, capacity strengthening, public participation and responsibility, and international cooperation. - CHAPTER 1: RIVER BASINS IN VIETNAM A `river basin' is the area of land from which all surface run-off flows through a sequence of drainage lines, creeks and rivers into the sea at a single river mouth, estuary or delta. Source: European Environment Agency This Chapter discusses river basins and their occurrence in Vietnam, and describer some of the basic features of the three river basins under study. Every river basin has unique features and characteristics. This means that their management must reflect the nature and resources of each basin. Therefore, the management of each basin will be potentially different to reflect the administrative, socio-economic, land use and natural resource character and values of each basin, and the opportunities and constraints for their management. 1.1 RIVER BASIN PROCESSES true: river basins affects everything people do AND VALUES by determining what kinds of plants to grow, the number and kinds of animals that can live In many countries, including Vietnam, river there, and how many people and livestock can basins have been adopted by Law as the be sustainably supported by the land. basis for water related planning and management. River basins provide a wide range of values to the community who live in the basin. These Land and water are ecologically linked in a include the following. river basin. From the smallest raindrop to the largest river, water shapes the land, taking Multi-functional values: with it sediment and dissolved materials that Providing a pool of natural resources with drain to rivers and, in most cases, eventually high economic value: water, land, forest, to the sea ­ see Figure 1.1. Conversely, the minerals and aquatic products. river is affected by the land. The type of rocks and soils, the shape of the land, the amount of Protecting human lives and eco-systems. rainfall and type of vegetation are some of the Receiving, moving and assimilating factors that determine the river's shape, size waste. and flow. Values of water resources in river basins: Direct values - providing water for: o domestic and industrial uses, o irrigation, o hydro power, o aquaculture and fishery, o preventing salt intrusion, o agricultural development. Indirect values: o water transport, o sand exploitation, o receiving and assimilating waste, Figure 1.1: Water cycle in a river basin o unique and beautiful landscapes, A river basin includes everything that lives in it o sport and recreation. and all the things humans have added to it Conservation values: such as buildings and roads. All people o preserving the natural water circle, belong to a river basin. Everything people do o affects their river basin ­ from washing clothes maintaining fresh water eco-systems, and growing food to larger­scale activities o conserving aquatic biodiversity, such as mining, commercial farming, and o conserving wetlands. building roads or dams. The reverse is also ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / 1.2 OVERVIEW OF RIVER BASINS originates from the Chau Giang river in China. IN VIETNAM Almost all of the other rivers lie within the country, generally originating in the highlands Vietnam is located in the tropical monsoon in the west and flowing to the sea in the east. region, with a total annual rainfall of about 1,940 mm. It has a dense river network with Table 1.1 shows some key characteristics of about 2,372 rivers over 10 km long. 13 of the major river systems. For example, this these are large river basins each with an area indicates that 53% of the Red River basin lies of 10,000 km2 or more, and 10 of these are outside of Vietnam but only 36% to the total trans-boundary rivers. water comes from this external area. For the Mekong River, these figures are 91% and There are 9 major rivers ­ the Bang Giang- 89% respectively. Ky Cung River, Thai Binh, River Red River, Ma River, Ca River, Thu Bon River, Ba River, Water availability per basin area (thousand Dong Nai River and the Mekong (Cuu Long) m3/km2) is lowest for the Bang Giang - Ky River. These major rivers account for 90% of Cung, Ba and Dong Nai River basins. Based the total area of river basins in Vietnam and on the population, the Dong Nai has far less their within-border area is around 80% of the water than the other rivers. total area of the country. The total annual flow of the Mekong River Some large rivers, such as the Cuu Long, Red accounts for 60% of the country's total annual and Ca Rivers, originate within other countries water flow ­ see Figure 1.2. The Red River and have significant areas of the basin in has about 15% of the total flow and the Dong those countries. Branches of the Mekong Nai River 4%. The total river flow of Vietnam River, including Se San and Srepok, start in is about 2% of total water flow of all rivers in Vietnam and flow through Lao and Cambodia, the world. before joining the Mekong. The Bang Giang - Ky Cung is a large river system which Table 1.1. Key Information on Major River Basins in Vietnam Basin Area ( km2) Average Annual Water Water availability Discharge (billion m3) (total) External Internal Total External Internal Total Thousand m3/ m3/km2 person 1 Bang 1,980 11,280 13,260 1.7 7.3 9.0 798 9,070 Giang ­ Ky Cung 2 Thai 15,180 15,180 9.7 9.7 1,550 5,160 Binh 3 Red 82,300 72,700 155,000 45.2 81.3 126.5 4 Ma 10,800 17,600 28,400 5.60 14.0 19.6 1,110 5,500 5 Ca 9,470 17,730 27,200 4.4 17.8 22.2 1,250 8,290 6 Thu Bon 10,350 10,350 20.1 20.1 1,940 16,500 7 Ba 13,900 13,900 9.5 9.5 683 9,140 8 Dong Nai 6,700 37,400 44,100 3.5 32.8 36.3 877 2,980 9 Mekong 726,180 68,820 795,000 447.0 53.0 500.0 7,265 28,380 10 Others 66,030 66,030 94.5 94.5 1,430 8,900 Vietnam 837,430 330,990 1,167,000 507.4 340 847.4 2,560 10,240 Source: National Water Resources Profile ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / Bang Giang - Thai Binh 2025. Those calculations show the Others Dong Nai Ky Cung 1% 11% importance to Vietnam of international 4% 1% Mekong agreements on fair sharing of water resources Ba 60% as it is located in the lower sections of large 1% Thy Bon internationally shared river systems. 2% Ca Box 1.1: Vietnam's water resources are 3% unsustainable Ma 2% Red 15% Global climate changes will lead to a decline in water resources. Recent research has Figure 1.2: River basin flow volumes forecast that the total volume of surface water in 2025, 2070 and 2100 will be around 96%; Source: National Water Resources Profile 91% and 86% respectively of today's quantity. Rainfall is distributed differently from one area to another and varies over time. The annual The current average per capita surface water rainfall varies considerably, from highs of availability from the total volume of water in 4,000 to 5,000 mm - but up to 8,000 mm at rivers within Vietnam is about 3,840 m3 per Bach Ma Mountain - to lows of only 600 to 800 year. If water inflows from outside the country mm in Nha Ho and Binh Thuan. The average are included, the average per capita river rainfall is about 1,400 to 2,400 mm per year. water availability is 10,240 m3 per year. The variation of rainfall during the year and its Taking population growth into consideration, impact on river flow causes severe dry periods by 2025 the average per capita surface water in the low-flow season, and flooding in the availability will be 2,830 (internal) and 7,660 high-flow season. (internal and external) m3 per year. According to standards of the International Water Rainfall varies from season to season in a Resources Association (IWRA), nations with year, and neither the wet seasons nor the dry average per capita water availability lower seasons occur simultaneously from one part than 4,000 m3 per year are considered nations of the country to another. The wet season is with inadequate water supply. generally between April to October, but it is from July to December in the centre of the Water resources are not evenly distributed country. The rainfall in the wet season over different regions. About 60% of river accounts for 75 - 85% of the total annual water is concentrated on the Cuu Long River rainfall. The dry season starts from July to delta (Mekong River). The remaining 40% is August and in some areas there is no, or very spread over nearly 80% of the nation's little, rain for 3 to 4 months. population and over 90% of production, trade and other service activities. Corresponding to the wet and dry seasons, there are high-flow and low-flow seasons for The average volume of water in four or five the rivers. The interval between the wet months in the wet reason makes up 75 - 85% season and the high-flow season is about one of the total volume, while the 8 or 9 months of month. The starting and ending of the the dry season receives 15 - 25% of the year's seasons differ from place to place, and are water quantity. later towards the south. Source: National Resources Water Strategy, 2006 Internationally it is agreed that areas with Water availability is also markedly different water availability of 4,000 m3 per person per from area to area. For the Dong Nai River year or less are areas with inadequate water basin, the current water availability is 2,230 resources. At the national level, Vietnam m3 per person per year and with projected appears endowed with abundant water population growth, this will decrease to around resources ­ with around 10,240 m3 per person 1,600 m3 per person per year by 2025. This is per year. However, flows of the Mekong River an alarming figure by international standards dominate this statistic. If these are excluded, which define an area with water availability of then the rest of Vietnam will be at the 1,700 m3 per person per year or less as one inadequate water level by 2025. If all external of "water stress". The problem is even worse water sources are excluded then Vietnam will in the Cau River sub-basin where water be well below the inadequate water level by availability is currently only 656 m3 per person 0 ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / per year. For the Nhue-Day River sub-basin, The basin is a long river system which is water availability is currently 3,760 m3 per relatively developed. The main river has person per year. many branches, with the larger ones mostly Some areas in Vietnam are currently located on the east of the Cau River - such as experiencing water shortages and competition Cho Chu, Du, Cong, and Ca Lo rivers. for access to water. The strong growth in The sub-basin has 68 rivers over 10 km long. population is accentuating this. Of the total river flow in the sub-basin (about 4.5 billion m3/year), the Cong and Ca Lo 1.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE Rivers each contribute about 0.9 billion CAU RIVER SUB-BASIN m3/year. There are two distinct seasons with the wet Area: 7,900 km2 (accounting for 2% of the season lasting from June to October. During total country area, and 8% of the total Red this period, flows are around 75% of the yearly River basin area within Vietnam) total. The dry season lasts 7 or 8 months, Annual river flow: about 4.5 billion m3 providing up to about 18-20% of the annual Current available water: 656 m3 per person water volume. The driest months of January, February and March provide only 5.6 to 7.8% Wet season: June to October of the annual river flows. Dry season: November to May Main rivers: Cho Chu, Nghinh Tuong, Du, 1.3.2 Natural resources and Cong, Ca Loà, Ngu Huyen Kheâ. environmental features Provinces: all of Thai Nguyen, parts of Bac The Cau River sub-basin is rich in natural Kan, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Vinh Phuc, Ha Noi resources including forests, water and and Hai Duong minerals. There are several iron, zinc, coal, Population: 4,800,000 (approx, based on gold and tin mines in the basin. The average 2005 census). forest cover in the sub-basin is about 45%. Population density: 870 persons per km2 The natural landscape of the sub-basin has (3.5 times the national average). been changed considerably to the extent that Industrial establishments: 2000 there is no more natural forests along rivers. Craft villages: 200 The forest quality has significantly degraded Medical establishments: 74 with 15,400 and is now incapable of storing water to keep beds. moisture for land in the dry season and prevent floods in the wet season. As a results, land has been degraded, severe Note that Hai Duong is not formally part of the floods occur and long lasting water shortages Cau River sub-basin. However, because of persist. the strong impact of the river system on that province, it has been included in this analysis. The sub-basin contains protected areas such as Tam Dao National Park, Kim Hy Natural 1.3.1 Natural features Conservation Area and other cultural and environmental conservation areas with high The Cau River is a main tributary of the Thai eco-system values. Fauna and plants are Binh River and is a part of Red River - Thai plentiful, including many rare forestry species Binh River basin. The total river length in the and wild animals. basin is 1,600 km, with the Cau River 288 km long. The river originates at Phia Deng However, deforestation, accompanied by (1,527m high) in the south east of the Pia-Bi- socio-economic development activities such Oc range in Bac Kan. as industry, mining, craft villages and agriculture, have created increasing pressure The sub-basin has a complex geography with on the natural environment of the basin, 3-typical ecological zones: the plains, threatening these community values. midlands and highlands. Its topography generally slopes from the North-west to the Southeast. 1 ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / Figure 1.3: Cau River sub-Basin Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency 1.3.3 Socio-economic features The lowest population density is in Cho Don and Bach Thong district, Bac Can province The sub-basin covers about 47% of the area (around 55 people per km2) and the highest, of the six provinces. It has a population of of around 2,000 people per km2, is in Gia Lam about 5 million people, of which about 80% district in Ha Noi city and Tu Son district in live in rural areas. The average population density is high at about 870 people per km2 Bac Ninh province. (3.5 times the national average of 252 The economy of the 6 provinces is mostly persons/km2). based on agriculture, forestry and industry, with some aquaculture. GDP is growing 2 ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / strongly in all provinces, doubling over the last 1.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE five years - see Figure 1.4. NHUE-DAY RIVER SUB-BASIN The production from agriculture, forestry and aquaculture is about 26% of GDP but this Basin area: 7,665 km2 (accounting for 2% of proportion is declining. The industry sector the total country area, and 10% of the Red growth rate is higher than the national River Basin area within Vietnam) average. Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc provinces are developing rapidly in Annual flow: about 28.8 billion m3 industry, construction and services. Current available water: 3757 m3 per person Mining and ore screening industries are Wet season: June to October concentrated in the two up-river provinces of Dry season: November to May Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen. Main tributaries: Nhue, Thanh Ha, Tich, There are about 200 craft villages located in Hoang Long, Chau Giang, Dao, Ninh Co and Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces. These To Lich (a main branch of the Nhue River villages specialise in iron and steel producing, receiving water from Lu, Kim Nguu and Set copper adn lead casting, paper production, rivers) weaving and dying. Typical examples are Provinces: All of Ha Tay, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh Phong Khe and Duong O paper recycling and Nam Dinh; and parts of Hanoi, Hoa Binh villages, Dai Bai copper casting village, Da Population: 7,665,000 (2005) Hoi metal refinery village. Population density: 990 persons per km2 Sand and gravel exploitation are large-scale (nearly 4 times the national average) activities along the rivers and this has caused Industrial entities: 4,100 river bank erosion and in places has changed flow direction. Craft villages: 458 Medical establishments: 1,400 with 26,000 Chemicals and pesticides are increasingly beds. used in agriculture, especially in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh. 1.4.1 Natural features 16,000 14,000 The Nhue-Day River is a distributary river system of the Red River and forms a sub- gnodnoillib12,000 10,000 basin of this much larger River basin. The 8,000 sub-basin area is large, rich in resources and 6,000 plays an important role in Vietnam's economy 4,000 in general and the Red River floodplain in 2,000 particular. 0 Bac Thai Bac Vinh Bac Hai The sub-basin has 2 main rivers that flow from Kan Nguyen Giang Phuc Ninh Duong the Red River - the Day and Nhue - and also many large tributaries including the Tich, 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 (est) Thanh Ha, Hoang Long, Vac, Nhue, Chau, Figure 1.4: GDP of provinces in the Cau Sat and Dao Rivers. Some of these (the River sub-basin Chau Giang River and the Dao River) are, or were, also distributaries of the Red River. Source: Statistical Year Book, 2005 Others drain local catchments in the sub- basin. The river system is also connected with the Ninh Co River by the Quan Lieu channel. The Day River is 237 km long. Since the construction of Day Dam in 1937, significantly less Red River water has flowed into the Day River. The River has become more of a drain to carry floods in the wet season and convey water supplies in the dry season. ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / Figure 1.5: Nhue ­ Day River sub-Basin Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency The Nhue River is 74 km long and receives and the Dao River, which transfers large water from the Red River through Lien Mac volumes of water from the Red River (at an channel. The River also serves as drainage average of 200 to 300 m3/s). system for Hanoi city and Ha Dong town. It joins the Day River at Phu Ly town. The Nhue River flows of the sub-basin reflect both the river has a catchment area of 1,070 km2. Red River flow regime and the mountainous (Hoa Binh) flow characteristics, as well as the The Red River provides about 85 to 90% of tidal influences from the Gulf of Tonkin. the total yearly flow in the Nhue-Day River Therefore, the hydrology of the river system is sub-basin - 25.7 billion m3 out of the total of complex and there are specific differences 28.8 billion m3 a year. The Hoang Long River between river sections. The river's flows are provides 0.68 billion m3 (2.4%); and the Tich very much influenced by the closing or River and Day River 1.35 billion m3 (4.7%). opening of the Red River diversion schemes The wet season (from June to October) at Lien Mac (Red River) and Thanh Liet (To provides about 70% to 80% of the total annual Lich River), and other channels on the main flow. The dry season is from November to river such as Ha Dong, Dong Quan, Nhat Tuu May. Water in the dry season is provided and Luong Co-Diep Son. mainly from the Nhue River which takes water In the lower river, the flood-tide and ebb-tide from the Red River through Lien Mac sluice, generally only affects drainage of the rivers 3 ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / near the sea. However, if there are storms Both the Day and Nhue Rivers run through Ha with heavy rain and wind, the sea water level Tay and Ha Nam, both of which have high will rise and the low-lying land areas will be population densities. Therefore the condition flooded severely for a long period. of the river is vitally linked to a large and growing population base. 1.4.2 Natural resources and environmental features Due to a diverse terrain of mountains, hills and plains, the sub-basin includes a wide range of eco-systems such as hill-slopes, limestone mountains, fresh water bodies and Hoa Binh Hanoi 4% 15% wetlands. Although major parts of the sub- Nam Dinh 26% basin have been long exploited, the ecological features of the basin generally remain diverse Ha Tay and abundant. Parts of the sub-basin are set Ninh Binh 32% aside as special use forests, Cuc Phuong and 12% Ha Nam 11% Ba Vi National Parks, Huong Son and Hoa Lu protected areas, and Van Long and Xuan Thuy wetland conservation areas. The diverse topography, with the majority of Figure 1.6: Population density and population the land area being flat, means that the sub- distribution per provinces basin has strong advantages for economic Source: Statistical Year Book 2005 development. However, there are problems The Nhue-Day sub-basin is under great with flooding of low-lying lands. Many dyke pressure from socio-economic development sections are lower than the standard height by activities, especially the establishment and up to 1.2 meters so that low areas and operation of industrial zones and residential swamps, particularly the flood-carrying areas areas, craft villages, small factories, mining of the Day River, are often inundated during and processing, and agricultural activities. the wet season. Many areas are often These have caused significant changes to the inundated by water of up to 4 meter deep environment in general and to water-related affecting the living and production activities of environmental features. local people. The economic structure is based on industry, 1.4.3 Socio-economic features agriculture and craft villages. Agriculture and craft villages contribute significantly to the The Nhue-Day sub-basin has a population of economy; between 60 - 70% of the total around 7.7 million people (2005). From 1996 population work in agriculture, contributing to 2002, the population of the sub-basin 21% of economic production. For the past increased by 1.27% per year, especially in few years, the GDP of the provinces has been urban areas. There is a strong urban base in increasing dramatically. the sub-basin, with Hanoi as the national capital, Nam Dinh as a category-2 city and There are more than 458 craft villages many other provincial towns and industrial covering activities such as silk production, zones. The population is increasing strongly - dyeing, food and foodstuff processing, steel from 1996 to 2003 the yearly average urban works, handicrafts, forest product processing, population growth rate was 5% (5.58% for etc. 149 of these villages are in Ha Tay Hanoi). Province. The average population density is about 990 persons per km2 (nearly 4 times the national average). All provinces except Hoa Binh have population densities greater than the national average, while Hanoi has a density over 13 times the average (Figure 1.6). 4 ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / 1.5 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 1.5.1 Natural features DONG NAI RIVER BASIN The Dong Nai River Basin within Vietnam is about 37,400 km2 (or 84.8% of the total river Natural area: 37,400 km2 (accounting for 11% basin area). The basin has 266 rivers with a of the total country area) length of at least 10 km. The major rivers are as follows: Annual river flow: about 36.6 billion Current available water: 2,227 m3 per person Length Catchment (km) area (km2) Wet season: May to October River Dry season: November to April Dong Nai 470 14,800 Main tributaries: Dong Nai, Be, Sai Gon, Thi Sai Gon 256 4,710 Vai, Vam Co Be 344 7,170 Provinces: Dac Nong, Lam Dong, Binh La Nga 290 4,100 Phuoc, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, HCM city, Ba Ria - The basin flows to the sea at two main Vung Tau, Long An estuaries - Ganh Rai Bay and Soai Rap. In the lower reaches of the rivers, tidal influences Population: 16,431,000 (2005) can create salt water conditions. The tidal Population density: 440 people per km2 effects in the lower river are significant - they (1.75 times the national average) can affect Dau Tieng Dam which is 148 km Industrial entities: more than 9,100 from the river mouth. Craft villages: 491 Medical establishments: 1,633 with 35,000 beds. Figure 1.7: Dong Nai River Basin Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency 5 ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / The annual flow of the basin is approximately in the dry season and prevent flash flooding in 36.6 billion m3. Of this, about 32 billion m3 (or the wet season. 89%) originates within Vietnam. The average flow in the Be River is about 8 billion m3; the Over the last century, large areas of the Sai Gon River is about 3 billion m3; and the basin's forests have been lost to agriculture Vam Co and La Nga Rivers is about 5 billion and plantations - rice cultivation, rubber m3. plantations, coffee and pepper. Between 1990 to 2002 the forest area decreased by 107,300 The area has tropical and monsoon climate hectares, amounting to an annual average conditions with typical wet and dry seasons. reduction of 8,942 hectares/year (Institute of The wet season (May to October) provides Natural Resources and Environment, 2003). about 85% the total rainfall per year. The pressures from the loss of large amounts The Dong Nai River basin has good of forest area has led to a decrease in water geographical advantages for the development retention in the upper catchment and of hydroelectricity and other works - changing increased erosion. It is now estimated that height and high slopes. The basin has many nearly 90% of the flora mass is not able to dams and control works, with the major two retain water. The new land activity is being the Tri An reservoir (Dong Nai River, generally agriculture and rain takes many principally hydropower) and the Dau Tieng contaminants from agricultural (mud, reservoir (irrigation). Other major hydropower alum, fertiliser, pesticide, etc.) to water dams are Da Nhim and Dai Ninh on the Dong sources. Nai River, Thac Mo and Ca Don on the Be River, and Ham Thuan and Da Mi on the La In the urban and industrial provinces of Binh Nga River. Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau and in HCMC, there are no or very little forest areas. In the Following the construction of the Tri An and remaining provinces, the forested area Dau Tieng dams, the average river flow per represents only about 20% of the land area. month in the driest months (February, March, April, May) increased by 4 or 5 times. Flows There are many natural protected areas with in the wetter months (August, September, high economic and ecological values in the October) decreased by about 50%. Basin. The Can Gio Wetland Biosphere Conservation Area covers a network of river The construction of major dams significantly estuaries and intervening mangroves with a changes the flow patterns of the River which total area of 73,360 ha, of which 54% is forest. can also affect the stability of the river This is a biosphere nature reserve, the first channel. Many parts of the riverbank from such reserve in Vietnam recognised by Bien Hoa to Dong Nai have seriously slipped UNESCO and one of only two designated because of sand exploitation and through RAMSAR sites in Vietnam. Can Gio occupies changes in the water flow from Tri An Lake. approximately one third of the Ho Chi Minh City administrative area. 1.5.2 Natural resources and The Cat Tien National Park is also within the environmental features basin, with an area of 73,878 ha. There are The Dong Nai River basin is rich in mineral many other watershed forests providing resources, including gold, iron, tin, zinc, which natural landscapes and ecological values and are increasingly being exploited. which also play an important role in climate change and water protection in the basin. The up-river forest system has a very important role in the basin. There are The estuarine areas of the Dong Nai basin are approximately 950,000 ha of forests, known to be a major breeding ground for accounting for 19% of the total land area of marine fisheries which constitute an important the provinces. Of this approximately 280,000 part of the local economy and support ha is special-use forest. This is an important significant fishing communities. area for rare and valuable gene protection and biodiversity conservation of the tropical 1.5.3 Socio-economic features ecological system. These forests also help to maintain water sources for the Dong Nai River ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / The population of the 11 provinces in the 250,000 basin in 2005 was about 16.4 million people 2000 (accounting for nearly 20% of the country's 200,000 2002 total population) of which 8.3 million live in 2004 rural areas. Figure 1.8 shows how the 150,000 population distribution differs from area to 100,000 area and from urban to rural areas. gnoDnoillib 50,000 0 Binh Dong Ba Ria- Ho Chi Duong Nai Vung Minh Tau City (a) Provinces with high GDP 8,000 7,000 2000 6,000 2002 2004 Figure 1.8: Population of provinces in the 5,000 Dong Nai river basin 4,000 3,000 Source: Statistical Year Book 2005 gnoDnoillib 2,000 The average population density in the basin is 1,000 440 persons per km2. In HCM city the density 0 is 2,811 persons per km2, which is 11 times Lam Ninh Binh Bing Tay Ninh Long An Dong Thuan Thuan Phuoc higher than the national average. (b) Provinces with lower GDP The basin is experiencing high urban growth rates in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Figure 1.9 Industrial production growths of Duong, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and high provinces in Dong Nai River basin population densities in urban areas. The Source: Statistical Year Book 2005 yearly average urban population growth rate in the basin is averaging 5.5% (15.6% for Binh Box 1.2: Industrial development in the Duong Province), compared to the national Basin average rate of 2.5 to 3%. Ho Chi Minh City is the most important The Dong Nai River basin is the most active geographical area with 53.7% of total industrial economic development area nation-wide. Tay employment (more than 840,000 employees) Ninh, Long An, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria and 64.4% of all industrial facilities ­ Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City lie in the (approximately 5,500). Binh Duong and Dong economic centre of the South, contributing up Nai are the next most important industrial to 40% of the national GDP. provinces. Together those three provinces have 92% of all industrial employment and This is one of the key economic development 91% of all industrial facilities in the Region. In regions, with high and sustained growth rates, fact, they hold 50% of all industrial and is providing core momentum for the employment in the country, and 38% of all economic growth of the country. industrial facilities. There are about 60 industrial and processing Source: Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors zones in the basin, mainly located in the 6 key in Vietnam, Technical Report prepared by ICEM economic provinces and cities, and in the (International Centre for Environmental Management) for The World Bank, January 2007 lower river sections of the basin. In other localities, new industrial zones are also Total agricultural land is approximately developing. The industrial development rate 1,448,667 ha (about 24% of the total area). comprises 58% of GDP and the average Agriculture comprises perennial plants such as growth rate is above 15% per year (nearly rubber trees, coffee, tea, cashew nut, peanut, twice the national economic growth rate) ­ pepper and sugarcane, and annual crops such see Figure 1.9. as rice, maize and vegetables. ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / Animal husbandry is also developing quickly Vietnam is concentrated in the Red River in the basin. The number of cattle has Delta and the Southeast Region. The increased from 2.7 million in 2001 to 4.4 Southeast Region and the Mekong River Delta million in 2005. account for 55.6% of the total value of Aquaculture is a strong growth sector in the Vietnam's industrial production in 2004. With basin for species such as shrimp, goby, and the Red River Delta, these 3 regions account wagtail fish. The total water surface area for for 75.6% of all industrial production value in aquaculture is approximately 71,800 ha, with the country. fisheries output of 449,000 tonnes. The overall planning targets for Vietnam are River transportation is well developed in the set out in the Socio Economic Development basin. There are 37 ports in the basin with the Plan 2006-2010 (SEDP). Appendix B lists the capacity to ship 1,000 to 30,000 DWT major targets related to water quality and (Source: National Report on Inland source of pollution in river systems. These targets Marine Pollution, 2004). concern the drive to consolidate the industrialisation of the country as a means of 1.6 CONCLUSION increasing GDP per capita and reducing poverty, specifying expanded targets for the This chapter has presented a physical and various industrial sectors, agricultural targets socio-economic profile of the three river and environmental targets. basins as a basis for considering water pollution level in Chapter 2. With respect to the Cau River and the Nhue- Day River sub-basins: All three basins are important to the national and regional economies and are located in The Northern Economic Focal Region key economic development zones. All are (EFR) aims to achieve an average annual experiencing rapid and sustained population economic growth rate of 11% and in doing growth and corresponding urbanisation so to contribute 20% to national GDP by processes, having rates of population 2010 (from the existing 18%) with a rapid densities and growth well above the national restructuring of its economy towards average. They are all are experiencing rapid industrialisation. Industry should grow at and concentrated industrial development, both an annual rate of 16% over the period large scale developments in industrial and 2006-2010. By 2010, industry should export processing zones, and smaller but represent 45 % of the total economy of the intense developments in craft villages. region (from 41% in 2004), and services Although termed "villages", most of these 50% (from 45% in 2004). centres are in effect light industrial areas. Within the industrial sector, a priority is given to knowledge intensive products Box 1.3: Importance of the 3 Economic (such as software), products of electric Focal Regions and electronic engineering, equipment In 2004, the three Economic Focal Regions and machinery, steel and ship building, (EFRs) ­ Northern, Central and Southern - coal, cement, high quality construction accounted for 71.4% of all firms in the materials, food processing, textile and industrial sector. The Southern EFR is garment, and leather industries. Hanoi significantly more important, with 68.4% of the supports 43.1% of all industrial total EFR employment and 58.5% of the firms employment and 53.3% of all industrial located within the 3 EFRs. The Southern EFR facilities in the Northern EFR. With Hai alone has approximately 55% of the total Phong, these two provinces represent industrial labour force in the country. 66.6% of all industrial firms and 65.1% of all industrial employment. Source: Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, ICEM for The World Bank, January In Hanoi, the fabricated metal products 2007 sector, publishing and printing, and the Undoubtedly the key factor that will affect food and beverage sector represent 38% pollution of the three river basins is the current (or 1,046) of all firms. Industrial activity in and planned level of socio-economic Hanoi spans many sectors. development. Most economic activity in ! " # $ %&'( & () ( *+ , -+& . / The rate of urbanisation is expected to the future, even though it is declining in increase from the existing 31% to 52% in relative economic importance. 2010, and 65% in 2020. The natural resource and environmental With respect to the Dong Nai River basin: values of the three basins in the mid and lower The Southern EFR is the industrial reaches are under increasing threat. powerhouse of the country with more than Conservation areas are few and not isolated 8,500 firms employing 1.5 million people. from the effects of development. Throughout The EFR aims to achieve an average the basins, forest cover is declining in area annual GDP growth rate of 14%, and to and quality, reducing water retention for the increase the share of the `industry and dry periods and the ability to mitigate floods. construction' sector to 53%. Priority is given to the development of high value added and knowledge­based products (such as software, industrial and civil electronics), oil, gas and petrochemical products. As industrial activity is increasingly concentrated in the EFR, a priority is also given to the relocation of labour intensive industries (such as the food processing industry) to the provinces of Long An, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh), and to complete the construction of 47 industrial zones and enhance the operational proficiency of existing industrial parks and areas. The leather tanning and dressing, wearing apparel, and food and beverage sectors represent 56% of all industrial employment in the Southern EFR. These last two sectors include more than 2,200 enterprises, or 26% of all firms in the region. Once again, firms in the leather tanning and dressing sector are on average much larger than in other sectors. (Source: Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, Technical Report prepared by ICEM for The World Bank, January 2007) Water availability ­ river flows per person ­ is low in the three basins compared to national averages and international standards. All three basins are below the level of having "inadequate water" and the Cau River is currently below the much lower "water stress" level. By 2025 the Dong Nai River will also be below this level. This accentuates water shortages and conflicts over access to water over the long dry periods, and exacerbates the effects of poor water quality. Water quality in all three river systems is greatly influenced by river flows and their management. Agricultural development remains a strong sector for all three basins both now and into 0 CHAPTER 2: WATER POLLUTION IN THE FOCUS RIVER BASINS This Chapter describer the current pollution levels in the three focus river basins and the main causes of current pollution. It also provides indications of the future projections of pollution loads. The levels of water pollution described in this chapter are based on ambient water quality assessments of the rivers in the basin. Ideally this information would be assessed from trends in water quality assessed over a reasonable time period and covering a good representative sample of parameters and water sources. However, for this report this is not possible as regular and routine water quality monitoring programmes are only now being established in Vietnam. The analysis here is based on monitored data and reports of local and central agencies using whatever good information is available, mostly monitoring undertaken by VEPA in late 2005. 2.1 INTRODUCTION There is also a growing understanding that water quality is closely related to overall 2.1.1 Water Quality Standards river health. This is affected by changes in Water quality standards are generally catchment condition, channel form, concentration limits for physical, chemical, riverbank vegetation, floodplain condition, biological and aesthetic (appearance and flow variability and in-river habitat. odour) parameters recommended to support All of these factors are important to the three and maintain a designated water use, such river systems under focus. However, in as drinking water. terms of the major pollutants, although BOD In this report, Surface Water Quality and SS provides the largest overall Standard TCVN 5942-1995 is used to pollution, of most concern are chemicals evaluate water quality in the three rivers and metals. Their persistence in the basins. This is set out in Appendix A. environment and potential health linkages These standards define the limits and makes them a higher priority in the short- permitted concentrations of pollutants for term. This Chapter therefore, where surface waters, and are used for assessing possible, provides a greater focus on these the ambient quality of a water source. aspects. There are two standards: 2.2 CAU RIVER SUB-BASIN TCVN (A): is applicable for surface water used for domestic water supply, Note that in the Cau River sub-basin, the assuming appropriate treatment. wet season generally occurs from June to TCVN (B): is applicable for surface October, and the dry season from water used for other purposes. Water November to May. This is important when for agriculture and aquaculture is considering the monitoring results presented specifically regulated under other here. standards. 2.2.1 Current pollution levels 2.1.2 Pollution sources In the upper reaches of the sub-basin, the Changes in water quality can be caused by Cau River flowing through Bac Kan province natural factors ­ for example as rainfall and is generally of good quality, although there runoff moves over different rock and land is local pollution. For example, at Pha and types it can pick up naturally occurring Thac Rieng bridges, the levels of BOD5 and chemicals before entering a river or aquifer. SS have exceeded TCVN (A) by 2 to 4 However, pollution from both point sources times. (such as industrial and sewage discharges) Before entering Thai Nguyen city, the Cau and diffuse sources (such as stormwater River section shows the first signs of serious runoff from agricultural and urban areas) pollution. This comes from industrial, mining can have dramatic effects on water quality. Changes to river flows can compound pollution effects. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 14 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins and agricultural activities along the river and The Phuong Hoang River is a small tributary two tributaries ­ the Nghinh Tuong River is flowing through Tan Long in Thai Nguyen affected by gold mining activities and the City. The river is polluted with organic end section of the Du River receives matter directly from the Paper Production wastewater from Phan Me coal mine. Company. Pollutants are BOD5, COD, The Cau River section flowing through Thai phenol and nitrates. COD and BOD5 Nguyen city is seriously polluted, containing concentrations have exceeded TCVN (B) ­ many organic compounds and oil residues. see Figure 2.3. In the technical report Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam 70 60 Oct-05 (ICEM for The World Bank) all provinces in 50 Nov-05 the country were analysed in terms of their 40 Dec-05 pollution levels. This found that Thai 30 Nguyen had the seventh highest ranking for ertilrepgm 20 water pollution of all the provinces. 10 However, Cam Gia Commune in the 0 Province came out on top of the commune BOD5 COD pollution rankings nationally. It also ranked TCVN (A) TCVN (B) highest in terms of pollution from metals and from suspended matter. The report noted Figure 2.3: BOD5 and COD levels in that only 5 factories were contributing the Phuong Hoang River, Thai Nguyen majority of this total pollution load. Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, 2005. At Tan Long ward, the water is very turbid, black in colour and with bad odours. The The Cong River is the second largest in the section of the Cau River flowing past the sub-basin and flows through Thai Nguyen Thai Nguyen Steel Cast Industrial Zone has province and into the Cau River at Da Phuc. SS, BOD5 and COD exceeding TCVN (A) by The river water has shown signs of organic 2-3 times (Figure 2.1). These waters also and oil pollution, and agricultural chemical contain oil residues and odours (Figure 2.2). residues have been found at some points. Figure 2.4 shows the average level of BOD5 50 in the river through Thai Nguyen from ertilrepgm 40 monitoring in 2004 and 2005. This river 30 2003 section is impacted by tourism activities on 2004 20 2005 Nui Coc Lake, sand exploitation activities on 10 the river, and wastewater from mining 0 activities and from the Cong River Industrial Van Hoa Son Gia Bay Thac May Lang Binh Cam Bridge Huong Bridge Zone. Dam TCVN (A) TCVN (B) 35 2005 Figure 2.1: COD through Thai Nguyen 30 2006 25 Source: Thai Nguyen Provincial Department of Natural 20 Resources and Environment, 2006. ertilrepgm15 10 5 0.35 0 0.3 Hop Thinh, Lam Van Phuc, Hoa Long, Bac Ninh ertilrepgm 0.25 2004 Bac Giang Huong, Bac Ninh Bac Ninh Town 0.2 2005 Bac Giang 0.15 TCVN (A) TCVN (B) 0.1 0.05 Figure 2.4: BOD5 levels in the Cong River 0 Van Hoa Son Gia Bay Thac May Source: Thai Nguyen Provincial Department of Natural Lang Binh Cam Bridge Huong Bridge Resources and Environment, 2006 Dam TCVN (A) TCVN (B) Water quality in the lower Cau River (through Bac Giang and Bac Ninh) is Figure 2.2: Oil levels in the section of polluted by organic substances. Water at Cau River through Thai Nguyen the end of the Cau River in Pha Lai has a Source: Thai Nguyen Provincial Department of Natural high density of water traffic and oil levels are Resources and Environment, 2006 consequently high, generally exceeding TCVN (A). The lower river receives water Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 15 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins from Ca Lo River in Bac Giang and Ngu from point sources - industrial production, Huyen Khe River in Bac Ninh, which is craft villages and urban wastewater. seriously polluted. Oil scum is evident on the river water surface. Industrial wastewater The Ca Lo River flows through industrial In 2004 there were 2,000 industrial zones and towns in Vinh Phuc and some enterprises, of which Bac Giang has the sections of Hanoi (Soc Son and Dong Anh highest proportion (28%), Hai Duong (23%), Districts). Its water is polluted by organic and Bac Ninh (22%) (Figure 2.6). substances from domestic wastewater, urbanisation and tourism, and by oil from industrial waste. The level of organic sesirpretnEforebmuN 600 500 2001 substances and nutrients is above TCVN 2002 400 2003 (A). Oil pollution is clearly evident at Lo 300 2004 Cang Bridge, Binh Xuyen. 200 The Ngu Huyen Khe River is one of the 100 most severely polluted rivers in the Cau 0 River sub-basin. The River flows through Vinh Bac Hai Bac Kan Thai Bac Phuc Ninh Duong Nguyen Giang Bac Ninh town and Tu Son and Yen Phong districts in Bac Ninh province. Wastewater Figure 2.6: Industrial production discharge pours from production activities, enterprises in provinces especially from craft villages lying along the Source: Statistical Year Book, 2005 river from Dong Anh, Ha Noi to Van An. Sewage from Bac Ninh town and Tu Son Industrial production in the sub-basin and the Yen Phong districts add to the includes metallurgy, food processing, problem. River water is polluted by organic forestry processing, construction material, substances and levels of nutrients about ten production of vehicles, and many others. times higher than TCVN (A) have been Industrial zones and factories are recorded ­ see Figure 2.5. concentrated mainly in Thai Nguyen, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh and Bac Giang. Thai Nguyen has 27 industrial zones - the most 50 2004 ertilrepgm 40 2005 of the 6 provinces in the sub-basin - with 12 30 of these in operation. Thai Nguyen has 12 20 iron-casting and steel production sites, over 10 30 ore exploitation sites and over 100 gold 0 exploitation sites. Loc Ha Song That Tan Bao Van Mon Dao Xa Bridge Bridge Bridge Bridge Figure 2.7 shows that wastewater from TCVN (A) TCVN (B) mining and mineral processing makes up 55% of the total. Metal production (29%) is Figure 2.5: COD in Ngu Huyen Khe River the second largest, then paper production in 2004 and 2005 (7%), and food processing (4%). All Source: Thai Nguyen Provincial Department of Natural wastewater is discharged to surface waters Resources and Environment, 2005 at point sources. Mine exploitation, 2.2.2 Sources of pollution mineral processing 3% 2% Metallurgy, steel Socio-economic development and economic 7% 4% casting, machines structures in the Cau River sub-basin are Paper having a significant influence on water Agricultural product quality. There are differences between the processing, beer, wine mountainous provinces, and the midlands 29% 55% Construction material and plains. Pollution in Bac Kan, Bac Garment and clothing Giang, and the agricultural areas in the sub- basin, is generally caused by waste from Figure 2.7: Wastewater proportion of domestic areas and agricultural production ­ major production sectors mostly non-point sources. However, for Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency, 2005 areas near the Cau River in Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc (Me Linh District) and Hanoi (Dong Anh District), pollution arises Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 16 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Table 2.1. Volume of wastewater from selected mines in Thai Nguyen Mines Design Wastewater (thousand m3/year) capacity (tonne/year) 2001 2002 2003 2004 Phan Me Coal Mine 80,000 335 453 580 937 Trai Cau Metal Mine 35,000 8,120 13,460 19,852 15,971 Dai Tu Zinc Mine 200 696 629 636 629 Cuc Duong Clay Mine 15,000 4 71 138 79 Lang Hich Lead Zinc 15,000 710 939 1,093 796 Mine Source: Thai Nguyen State of Environment Report, 2005 Mining and ore exploitation: There are many The Zone has been in operation since 2001, mining activities in the up-river provinces of but to date no wastewater treatment Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen, including gold, facilities have been built. Most factories in metal, zinc, lead, coal and clay. Most of the Zone do not have wastewater treatment these mines do not have wastewater systems, or only have a simple treatment treatment systems and wastewater is system such as primary sludge treatment. discharged to surface waters. The wastewater, containing oil and heavy Table 2.1 shows the volume of wastewater metals, runs directly into the Cong River. produced by a number of mines in Thai Paper production: This provides wastewater Nguyen over a 4 year period. This shows volumes of 3,500 m3/day. Wastewater from that the wastewater generated has generally the Hoang Van Thu Paper Factory (Thai been steadily increasing over the period. Nguyen) has the most significant influence However, the wastewater from the Phan Me on water quality. Wastewater from the Caol Mine has tripled in the period and that factory is discharged into the Cau River and from the Trai Cau Metal Mine has doubled. contains inorganic substances and Dai Tu Zinc Mine is of particular concern as suspended fibres. The water is black in the wastewater generated per tonne of colour with high concentrations of alkaline, production capacity is up to hundreds of and has bad odours. time greater than the other mines. In 2005, this factory stopped using the old Metallurgy, steel casting and machinery production line and in 2006 it invested in a manufacturing: is concentrated mainly in wastewater treatment system to reduce Thai Nguyen, which has 12 iron-casting and pollution. However, next to this mill is steel production sites, and the total another paper mill producing paper for wastewater quantity is 16,000 m3/day export. This also directly discharges its discharged. Wastewater from The Thai wastewater to the Phuong Hoang River. Nguyen Cast-iron Industrial Zone in Thai Nguyen City has considerable influence on Food processing: Food production and food water quality. Wastewater runs into 2 drains processing plants discharge about 2,000 and then to the Cau River at an estimated m3/day of untreated wastewater into ditches, quantity of 1.3 million m3/year. It contains drains and the river. This wastewater many contaminants such as oil, phenol and contains organic substances, glucose, lipids, cyanide. However, the industrial zone has bacteria, coliform etc, which produce serious now built a wastewater treatment system to odours in surface water and many other limit pollution. problems. The second largest industrial zone is the Other factories and production sites also Song Cong Industrial Zone in Song Cong discharge untreated wastewater to rivers of Town. This zone has mechanical the sub-basin. These include engineering and vehicle machinery plants. pharmaceutical production factories, garment factories, construction material Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 17 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins production plants, packing material plants and automobile assembly factories. Bac Kan, Thai 21% 27% Nguyen Wastewater from industrial zones and Vinh Phuc production factories of Bac Giang (Dinh Bac Giang Tram Industrial Zone, Song Khe-Noi Hoang, Bac Ninh Ha Bac Nitrogen and Chemical Company, etc) receives basic treatment and is then Hai Duong 9% discharged directly into water sources. 30% Some large-scale factories, such as Dap 13% Cau Glasses Factories, Bac Son Cigarettes Figure 2.8: Proportion of craft villages in Factory (Bac Ninh), discharge their provinces/cities wastewater direct to the Ngu Huyen Khe Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency, 2006 River. Traditional craft villages in Bac Ninh have Many establishments in Vinh Phuc industrial diversified production but suffer from old zones discharge their wastewater to the Ca equipment, small scale and space, and Lo River without treatment or with only limited ability to invest in wastewater primary treatment. Wastewater from treatment systems. This combination industrial clusters and factories of Bac produces a badly polluted environment. Giang province (such as Dinh Tran Most of the wastewater is high in BOD and Industrial Zone, Song Khe ­ Noi Hoang other pollutants, and runs directly into the Industrial Cluster, Ha Bac fertiliser and Ngu Huyen Khe River without treatment. chemical factory, etc.) is discharged to surrounding water bodies after basic primary Bac Giang has 25 craft villages of many treatment (mechanical settlement). Large- types. Van Ha village uses 40 to 50 tonnes scale factories such as Dap Cau Glass of dry cassava to produce wine, with the by- Factory, Bac Son Tobacco Factory (Bac products used for raising pigs. Solid and Ninh province) discharge their untreated liquid waste discharged to the environment wastewater to the Ngu Huyen Khe River. is about 5,000 m3 /day. Phuc Lam is a livestock slaughter village killing 300 to 400 Wastewater from craft villages animals every day. Each household releases about 3 to 4 m3 of wastewater a Craft villages are in effect industrial day and 80 to 100kg of sewage a day. As production areas, characterised by high well, significant amounts of salt used in volumes of wastewater, high levels of pickling animal skin are discharged. pollution, none or at best insufficient Wastewater from these two villages runs wastewater treatment, and wastewater into ponds or lakes in the village, then to the directly discharged to surface water Cau River, adding considerable quantities of sources. organic substance pollution. There are more than 200 craft villages in the Thai Nguyen has craft villages such as Cau River sub-basin including paper bamboo, weaving and brick production. In production, alcohol production, iron plating, addition, there are 12 iron casting and steel waste recycling and pottery. A large refining establishments, more than 30 small quantity of untreated wastewater from craft lead and zinc ore establishments and more villages runs directly into ponds, lakes and than 100 gold production establishments. the River. Some villages, have None of these have wastewater treatment concentration points for wastewater systems and the wastewater, containing treatment but these are not effective. many heavy metals and harmful chemicals, Craft villages are concentrated mainly in is directly discharged to sewage systems Bac Ninh, but some are dispersed in Thai and then to the Cau River. Nguyen, Vinh Phuc and Bac Giang. Bac Vinh Phuc has 16 craft villages including Ninh has 60 craft villages about 30% of the machinery, carpentry, pottery, bamboo total ­ see Figure 2.6. These villages weaving and food processing. Most of the concentrate along the river banks and wastewater is not treated and runs directly therefore badly affect surface water in the into ponds, lakes and drains and then sub-basin. discharges into the main rivers. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 18 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Table 2.2. Typical craft villages in Bac Domestic wastewater Ninh The population density for the Cau River Craft No. of Waterwater BOD sub-basin is already many times the national village units/ quantity amount average and the growth rate is high (3.5% a house- m3/day kg/day year). However, the support facilities, holds particularly in urban areas, is developing Phong 64 3,500 1,000- much more slowly, which increases Khe paper 1,500 domestic water pollution. production Urban areas tend to be located along rivers Phu Lam 2,000-2,500 260-330 and most domestic water is untreated, paper running directly to rivers and ponds. production Domestic wastewater contains nutrients, Da Hoi 450 15,000 600-675 high levels of BOD and organic substances Iron such as azotes, coliform, bacteria and Production potential disease causing germs. The Van Mon 80 - 500-1,000 5-25 amount of various pollutants from domestic aluminium 120 sources is shown in Table 2.3. and lead casting Based on the population in the provinces, it is estimated that Hai Duong Dong Ky 1,000 800-1,200 40-60 produces the most wastewater (about 25%). wood The town is located at the lower end of the processing river system so that its influence on the Source: Bac Ninh DONRE, 2006 whole sub-basin is not as great as other provinces ­ such as Bac Giang (23%), Vinh Box 2.1. Wastewater from craft villages in Phuc (17%) (Figure 2.9). Bac Ninh Province Vinh Phuc Phong Khe and Phu Lam recycled paper Bac Giang 17% production craft village produces 18 ­ 20 23% thousand tonnes/year of paper and Bac Ninh discharge about 5,500 m3 of 15% wastewater/day. Wastewater from paper Thai factories contains many toxic chemicals Nguyen such as alkali, detergents, alum, resin and 16% Bac Kan Hai Duong artificial colouring agents. The level of 4% 25% BOD5 is 130 mg/l exceeding TCVN (B) by Figure 2.9: Estimated proportion of 4.3 times and COD is 617 mg/l exceeding domestic wastewater from provinces TCVN (B) by 6 times. Source: Calculation based on population of provinces ­ Da Hoi steel processing craft village has a Statistical Year Book, 2005 total output of 500 ­ 700 tonnes/day of product and discharges 15,000 m3 of wastewater/day. Wastewater is high in acid or alkali, oil, rust, etc. which are released to the environment and greatly exceeds the allowed standard: colour by 3.1 times, iron by 3.3 times, Cr by 8.6 times and CN- by 2 times. Households processing food in Tam Da Commune, Yen Phong District, produce 1.2 - 1.3 billion litres of alcohol/year. Wastewater from the production contains many organic substances which are discharged without treatment directly to the Ngu Huyen Khe River. Source: National report on results of science and technology: Environment in Cau River sub-Basin, 2003 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 19 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Table 2.3. Estimated pollutants from domestic wastewater, 2005 Vinh Phuc Bac Ninh Hai Duong Bac Kan Thai Nguyen Bac Basin Giang COD (tonne/day) 83 ­ 119 71 - 101 122 - 174 21 - 30 79 - 112 112 - 161 488 - 697 BOD (tonne/day) 52 - 62 44 - 53 76 - 92 13 - 16 49 - 59 70 - 85 304 - 367 Total nitrogen (tonne/day) 7 - 14 6 - 12 10 - 20 2 - 4 7 - 13 9 - 19 41 - 82 Total phosphor (tonne/day) 0.5 ­ 4.6 0.4 - 4 0.7 - 7 0.2 ­ 1.2 0.4 - 4 0.6 - 6 2.8 ­ 26.8 Coliform 1,155 ­ 987 ­ 1,698 ­ 1,095 ­ 1,564 ­ 6,794 ­ (109 tonne/day) 1,155,000 987,000 1,698,000 295 ­ 295,000 1,095,000 1,564,000 6,794,000 Oil (tonne/day) 11 10 17 3 11 14 66 SS (tonne/day) 196 - 254 168 - 217 289 - 374 50 - 65 186 - 240 266 - 344 1,155 - 1494 (Based on pollutant calculation of WHO, 1993; and populations 2005, Statistical Year Book, 2005 Hospital wastewater 1200 2001 2002 In 2005, provinces in the Cau River sub- 1000 2003 800 2004 basin had 74 hospitals with 15,400 sick 2005 600 beds. These hospitals discharge about 400 5,400 m3/day via point sources. The 200 proportion of this wastewater from the daehfosdnasuohT 0 provinces is shown in Figure 2.10. Vinh Bac Hai Bac Kan Thai Bac Phuc Ninh Duong Nguyen Giang Bac Giang Vinh Phuc Figure 2.11: Number of farming livestock 22% 13% Source: Statistical Yearly Book, 2005 Bac Ninh 13% Facilities for the treatment and the disposal of solid matter and wastewater from these farms are generally not built and the waste finds its way to water sources as point Thai Nguyen Hai Duong 21% Bac Kan 24% source discharges. 7% Figure 2.10: Proportion of medical Agricultural activities wastewater from provinces Agriculture is an important sector in the sub- Source: Statistical Year Book, 2005 basin with each province tending to Currently only Thai Nguyen General Hospital specialise in agriculture production. In Bac has a central wastewater treatment system. Giang, soybeans and lycees are common. Some other hospitals have wastewater Farmers plant tea in Thai Nguyen and treatment facilities installed, but these do not vegetables in Bac Ninh. operate or are not effective. Untreated To increase plant productivity, pesticides wastewater from these hospitals runs and chemical fertilisers are increasingly directly into the surface water environment. used, especially in Thai Nguyen and Bac Hospital wastewater is a serious concern for Ninh. This results in elevated levels of NO2 local communities as it contains many toxic and NO3 in soils and in farm produce from chemicals, organic substances and Bac Ninh province, Me Linh district (Vinh potentially lethal bacteria. Phuc) and some areas in the lower parts of the sub-basin. This finds its way to surface Animal husbandry activities water via runoff and drainage, as non-point The number of farm animals in the sub-basin sources of pollution. had been steadily increasing, particularly in Bac Giang where that now over 1.1 million head (Figure 2.11). Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 20 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Box 2.2 Use of plant protection chemicals Solid waste in Thai Nguyen The amount of solid waste is estimated at The average amount of plant protection about 1,500 tonnes/day, and is mainly chemicals used in a rice or maize crop is domestic waste. Thai Nguyen generates from 3 to 3.5 kg/hectare of farmland. For nearly 350 tonnes a day ­ more than twice each tea crop, farmers apply pesticides 3 to the amount of any other province. 5 times. Therefore, the amount of plant protection chemicals used in a rice crop is The proportion of solid waste collected is about 175 tonnes, in maize crop 32 tonnes, low, about 40-45% in the whole basin. In and in a tea crop 56 tonnes. urban areas, the proportion is higher, about 60-70%. In most of the provinces there are Source: Thai Nguyen State of Environment Report, no sanitary landfill sites or solid waste 2005 treatment systems. Most of the waste from Chemical fertilisers and pesticides are now cities and towns is collected and dumped in used widely in all of the agriculture a specific location without treatment. In production areas. The average amount of rural areas, waste is mostly dumped on river pesticides used in the sub-basin is banks, or in lakes or ponds surrounding 3kg/hectares/year, of which insecticides residential areas. This is a source of make up 68.3% (Figure 2.12). Chemical pollutants to both surface water and fertiliser use is about 500,000 tonnes/year underground water. and pesticide use is about 4,000 Toxic industrial and hospital solid waste is tonnes/year. About 33% of this is estimated less in quantity than household solid waste to be in excess of requirements. ­ see Table 2.4 - but needs greater Others Herbicides attention because they have far greater 5% 12% Disease influence on the environment and human control health if not effectively disposed. However, Pesticides 16% at present most of this waste is not 67% classified and treated according to the regulations. Table 2.4: Hospital solid waste in 2004 Province Kg/day Figure 2.12: Amount of chemical use in agriculture Thai Nguyen 350 Source: Vietnam State of Environment Report, 2005 Vinh Phuc 141 In Bac Ninh, to protect vegetable, jutes, Bac Ninh 438 sugar canes, ground nuts, bean, etc. 1,200 Hai Duong 613 tonnes of pest eradication chemicals and 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes of NPK fertiliser Source: State of Environment Report in provinces, 2005 (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium) are used. Vegetable areas have pest eradication chemicals applied at rates of 3 to 2.2.3. Pollution forecasts 5 times more than rice areas. At present, Based on the approved socio-economic the province is encouraging farmers to use development plans of the provinces, it is biological pest control measures and farming estimated that by 2010 the wastewater and protection methods. discharged to rivers in the Cau River sub- In Bac Giang farmers are increasingly basin will have doubled compared to the developing fruit trees, especially longan and current volume. litchi. This also requires chemical sprays to The environmental pollution level of the sub- protect the crop and about 145 tonnes per basin has been analysed based on three year of chemicals are used. (Bac Giang scenarios: Provincial State of the Environment Report, 2005) Scenario 1: The wastewater volume in the sub-basin increases according to the planning targets, but is not treated; Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 21 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Scenario 2: The wastewater volume in the sub-basin increases according to 10 9 2005 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 the planning targets, but with 30% of 8 7 all wastewater treated (existing and 6 additional); 5 4 3 Scenario 3: The wastewater volume in ertilrepgm 2 the sub-basin increases according to 1 0 the planning targets and all of the Cam Gia, Uc Son, Hop Thinh, Huong Vn An, Yen wastewater (existing and additional) is Thai Phu Binh, Hiep Hoa, Lam, Viet Phong Nguyen treated to meet environmental Thai Bac Giang Yen, Bc Nguyen Giang standards. Some of the results are shown in Figures Figure 2.14: Total nitrogen (2005 and 2.13, 2.14 and 2.15. Under Scenario 1, the projected for 2010) planned economic development would be Source: The Institute of Hydro-meteorological and accompanied by severe depletion of surface environmental studies, 2006 water quality: the average BOD 0.5 concentration would increase by 1.5 times, 2005 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 and by 1.8 times at some locations such as 0.4 like Quan Trieu ward in Thai Nguyen city; 0.3 the average total nitrogen would increase by 0.2 1.3 times; the average total phosphorous ertilrepgm would increase by 1.2 times, and by 1.5 0.1 times in some locations such as Van Yen 0 (Yen Phong ­ Bac Ninh); and the average Uc Son, Phu Hop Thinh, Huong Lam, Vn An, Yen coliform concentration would increase by 1.3 Binh, Thai Hiep Hoa, Bac Viet Yen, Bc Phong Nguyen Giang Giang times. Figure 2.15: Total phosphorous (2005 35 and projected for 2010) ertilrepgm30 2005 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Source: The Institute of Hydro-meteorological and 25 environmental studies, 2006 20 15 10 5 0 2.3. NHUE-DAY RIVER BASIN Quan Trung Cam Gia, Uc Son, Hop Thinh, Thieu, Vuong, Thai Phu Binh, Hiep Hoa, Note that in the Nhue-Day River sub-basin, Thai Thai Nguyen Thai Bac Giang the wet season generally occurs from June Nguyen Nguyen Nguyen to October, and the dry season from TCVN (A) TCVN (B) November to May. This is important when considering the monitoring results presented Figure 2.13: BOD5 concentration (2005 in this section. and projected for 2010) Source: The Institute of Hydro-meteorological and environmental studies, 2006 2.3.1 Current pollution levels For Scenario 2 there is a significant River water quality in this sub-basin improvement, although pollution levels depends on river flows, wastewater would still be above the standards. discharge in the upper river and on pollution from agriculture and aquaculture in the Under Scenario 3 the analysis shows that if lower parts of the river system. In general, all of the wastewater is properly treated, the water of the Day River is less polluted water quality in the Cau River sub-basin than the Nhue River. Pollutants are mainly would be considerably improved - the quality organic substances and coliform, often at indicators of the water would nearly meet the relatively high levels, especially in the dry TCVN (A). This means that the surface season. Pollution tends to be increasing. water could generally be supplied for domestic use purposes after appropriate Within Hanoi, surface water in rivers, lakes treatment. and drains is seriously polluted. Parameters measured exceed TCVN (B) and even exceed TCVN 6772-2000, level IV (for domestic wastewater). The monitoring Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 22 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins results conducted in late 2005 show that by between 3 and 4 times. DO remains levels of DO are low. COD exceeds TCVN very low and does not meet TCVN (A). The (B) by 7-8 times; BOD5 by 7 times (Figure water has poor physical appearance, being 2.16). The level of coliform is nearly twice black and scummy, and there are strong fish TCCP (B). Pollution levels increase odours. markedly in the dry season when the Lien Mac channel closes (between each Down river from the To Lich River junction, November and May). the river water is extremely polluted, especially in the dry season when there are 200 Oct-05 minimal diluting flows from the Red River. Nov-05 Even in the wet season, BOD5, DO, NH4+, ertilrepgm 150 Dec-05 and coliform all fail to meet TCVN (B). 100 From the To Lich River junction to the 50 confluence with the Day River, the pollution level gradually decreases as the pollutants 0 To Lich Lu River Kim Nguu Set River are assimilated and dispersed. However, River River pollution overall generally remains at levels TCVN (B) exceeding TCVN (B) (Figure 2.17). Figure 2.16: BOD5 within Hanoi 160 Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency, 2005 140 Nov-05 120 Dec-05 In a technical report Analysis of Pollution 100 from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam 80 (ICEM for The World Bank), all provinces in ertilrepgm 60 40 the country were analysed in terms of their 20 pollution levels. This found that Hanoi had 0 the second highest ranking for water Lien Phuc La Cu Da Dong Than Kieu Mac Quan sewage Port pollution of all the provinces nationally. For sewage all provinces in the top 10 of the rankings, TCVN (B) the analysis was extended to commune and enterprise level. This found that the Phuong Figure 2.17: BOD5 trends in the Nhue Liet commune in Hanoi ranked tenth River nationally for water pollution. Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, 2005 Most of the stormwater, plus domestic and industrial wastewater from Hanoi city and Although wastewater discharge to the To surrounding areas, finds its way to the rivers Lich River is now treated in Yen So Pond in the city. Wastewater then runs into the and pumped to the Red River in the dry Nhue River through Thanh Liet Dam. The season, the Nhue River still shows a trend river system is heavily polluted as until of increasing pollution. Figure 2.18 recently no domestic, industrial or agriculture indicates increasing COD levels over time. wastewater was treated. The Yen So reservoir now receives most of Hanoi's 40 wastewater. This is pumped into the Red River and reduces the amount of wastewater from the To Lich River. However, this ertilrepgm 30 20 operation is limited mainly to the dry season, 10 and in the wet seasons a large amount of 0 wastewater still runs directly to the Nhue 2000 1 2001 2 2002 3 2003 4 2004 5 2005 6 River. TCVN (A) TCVN (B) In the upper reaches, before receiving runoff Figure 2.18: COD in the Nhue River at from Hanoi, water quality of the Nhue River Nhat Tuu (Ha Nam) is generally good, although SS levels are Source: Ha Nam provincial Department of Natural very high. Resources and Environment, 2006 The sections of the Nhue River through Ha The Day River is locally polluted with the Dong Town (Phuc La) before receiving water pollution level tending to increase, from the To Lich River, are seriously especially as the river is affected by the polluted: COD and BOD5 exceed TCVN (B) polluted inflows from the Nhue River. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 23 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins From Ha Dong Town (Ha Tay) to Phu Ly Town (Ha Nam), water in the Day River is 60 50 Nov-05 mainly polluted by organic substances. 40 Dec-05 Typical parameters of organic pollution in 30 the river sections flowing through Ung Hoa ertilrepgm20 10 and My Duc in Ha Tay, and Kim Bang and 0 Phu Ly in Ha Nam have all exceeded TCVN Ba Tha Te Tieu Que Hong Trung Muoi Kim (A). At Hong Phu bridge (Phu Ly, Ha Nam ­ Bridge Phu Hieu Ha Ferry Tan Bridge the confluence of the Nhue, Day and Chau Giang Rivers) - the water is polluted with TCVN (A) TCVN (B) relatively high level of organic pollutants, especially in the dry season when Lien Mac Figure 2.21: BOD5 on the Day River Drain closes ­ see Figures 2.19 and 2.20 section from Ba Tha to Kim Tan which show BOD5 and COD trends at Te Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, Tieu and Hong Phu bridgse. 2005 From Phu Ly to the junction of the Hoang 60 Long and the Day Rivers (Gian Khau ­ Gia 50 Oct-05 Vien ­ Ninh Binh), river water is quite ertilrepgm 40 Nov-05 seriously polluted not only by inflows from Dec-05 30 the Nhue River, but also by wastewater from 20 domestic activities and industrial production 10 in Phu Ly Town. BOD5 is 2 to 3 times 0 higher than TCVN (A). As well, the River Te Tieu, Ha Tay Cau Hong Phu, Ha nam receives water from the Hoang Long River, TCVN (A) TCVN (B) which is polluted after flowing through Hoa Binh and Ninh Binh (Gia Vien District). Figure 2.19: BOD5 trends at Te Tieu and Hong Phu bridge In the Day River sections from Gia Vien to Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, Kim Son (Ninh Binh), water is polluted by 2005 organic substances and parameters do not meet TCVN (A) (for example BOD5 is 2-3 times higher than the standard). The quality 100 Oct-05 in some sections fails to meet TCVN (B), ertilrepgm 80 Nov-05 especially at the Ninh Binh Thermoelectric 60 Dec-05 Factory, where the water is black and 40 muddy. 20 0 The lower reaches of the Day River (from Te Tieu, Ha Tay Cau Hong Phu, Ha nam Kim Son to the estuary) is also polluted. TCVN (A) TCVN (B) Although wastewater from the upper and mid river is diluted and the pollutants Figure 2.20: COD trends at Te Tieu and dispersed and assimilated, water quality of Hong Phu bridge the River is affected by waste from Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, agricultural production and domestic 2005 activities. Many parameters still do not meet TCVN (A). Figure 2.33 shows how BOD5 has varied along this section of the River. In general, water quality of the Day River changes along its length and over time. However, water quality of the River has deteriorated over recent years ­ see Figure 2.22, which shows the changes in COD (average value/year) over time in Ha Nam (mid-river) and in Nam Dinh (lower-river). Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 24 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 100 40 Ha Nam (mid river) Nm Binh (lower-river) COD BOD5 Oct-05 80 Nov-05 ertilrepgm 30 60 Dec-05 20 ertilrepgm 40 20 10 0 0 De Ferry Gia Tan De Ferry Gia Tan 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 TCVN (A) TCVN (B) TCVN (A) TCVN (B) Figure 2.22: COD trends of the Day River Figure 2.24: COD and BOD5 levels for in Ha Nam (mid) and Nam Dinh (lower) Hoang Long River at De Ferry (mid river) Source: Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provincial Department and Gia Tan (lower river) of Natural Resources and Environment, 2006 Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, 2005 Other rivers in the basin have also shown The quality of the Dao River (which runs to signs of water quality deterioration. the Day River) in some parts is slightly The Tich River is polluted by organic polluted by organic substances. substances at levels exceeding TCVN (A). Parameters exceed TCVN (A), but are This is due to the river receiving polluted within TCVN (B). However, water quality of wastewater from the Hoa Lac and Son Tay this River is tending to degrade. areas, which are developing rapidly, and the Bui River. Water quality of the Bui River is 2.3.2. Sources of pollution being polluted from production and domestic wastewater from Luong Son and Hoa Binh. There are many wastewater sources that pollute the Nhue-Day River sub-basin. Of The Chau Giang River is polluted and the these, domestic wastewater contributes the pollution is increasing. This river joins the largest part (56%). This is a unique feature Day River and Nhue River at Phu Ly. of this sub-basin compared to others (Figure However, its off-take from the Red River has 2.25). now been closed, and its water quality is increasingly affected by agricultural waste Farming & and water from the Nhue and Day Rivers. husbandry Domestic Craft Monitoring results show a steady increase in 16% 56% village some pollutants, such as COD, over recent 4% years (Figure 2.23). 40 ertilrepgm 30 Industrial 20 24% 10 Figure 2.25: Proportion of wastewater discharged to Nhue-Day River 0 2000 1 2001 2 2002 3 2003 4 2004 5 2005 6 Source: Vietnam Environment Protection Agency, 2006 TCVN (A) TCVN (B) Industrial wastewater Figure 2.23: COD trends in Chau Giang river In 2004, there were 4,113 industrial Source: Ha Nam provincial Department of Natural enterprises (of which 67% were in Hanoi) Resources and Environment, 2006 with an industrial production value of VND The Hoang Long river is polluted by organic 83,382 billion (General Department of substances at a relatively high level at the statistics, 2005) ­ see Figure 2.26. These confluence with the Day River (Figure 2.24), enterprises are producing considerable after flowing through Hoa Binh, Nam Dinh amounts of waste (solid, liquid and air) and Ninh Binh. BOD and COD are at, or polluting and affecting the environment of exceed, TCVN (B). the sub-basin. This is a major source of point source discharge to water sources, causing serious surface water pollution. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 25 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Ninh Binh Hoa Binh There are 218 industrial enterprises that are Nam Dinh 5% 2% 10% the major wastewater producers in the sub- Ha Nam sasin ­ see Table 2.5. Wastewater from 4% different industries has different characteristics and different impacts on Ha Tay water quality. The mechanical industry 12% produces the largest amount (33%) - see Figure 2.27 - and its wastewater has Hanoi 67% significant amounts of oil and suspended Figure 2.26: Proportion of industrial solids. Wastewater from food processing production enterprises in province/cities factories contains considerable amino acid and organic compounds. Wastewater from Source: General Dept of Statistics, 2005 textile industry contains such chemicals as Box 2.3: The output of wastewater from alkali, detergent, pine resin and artificial industrial sectors in Hanoi colouring agents. Textile and Dyeing: 14,500 - 17,210 m3 per day Others Construction 18% Mechanical Foodstuff Companies: 3,870 - 16,010 m3 per materials engineering day 13% 33% Chemical Factories: 24,500 - 26,540 m3 per day Mechanics Factories: 3,730 - 4,500 m3 per Chemical and day paper Weaving and Food 8% processing Source: Report on state of environment, 2005 dying 13% 15% Industrial activities in Hanoi produce the Figure 2.27: Waste generating industries most industrial wastewater in comparison to Source: Institute of Geography, 2005 other provinces in the sub-basin (approximately 100,000 m3/day, or about 30% of the total). Ha Tay produces approximately 80,000 m3/day (around 25% of the total). Table 2.5: Sectors discharging industrial waste to rivers Provinc Mechanical Food Textile Paper and Construction Other e industry processing industry chemical materials industries industry industry No % No % No % No % No % No % units units units units units units Hanoi 45 64 10 30 17 56.5 5 28 9 32 Ha Tay 11 16 9 28 6 20 5 28 5 18 Nam 9 13 2 6 6 20 3 16.5 0 0 Dinh Ninh 3 4 4 12 0 0 1 5.5 4 14.5 Binh Ha Nam 1 1.5 5 15 1 3.5 3 16.5 4 14.5 Hao 1 1.5 3 9 0 0 1 5.5 6 21 Binh Total 70 100 33 100 30 100 18 100 28 100 40 100 Source: Institute of Geography, 2005 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 26 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Wastewater from craft villages Hoa Binh Nam Dinh 7% Ha Tay Craft villages have provided significant 19% 48% economic benefits, but also contribute to major environmental pollution in the sub- basin. Craft villages provide about 45,000 to 60,000 m3 of wastewater/day via point Ninh Binh sources. 7% Most of the small production establishments Ha Nam 9% Hanoi within craft villages have developed 10% spontaneously to meet market demands. Figure 2.28: Craft villages in They are characterised by simple provinces/cities equipment, old technologies and small Source: Departments of Natural Resources and workplaces, and limited investment potential Environment of provinces/cities, 2006 for wastewater treatment facilities. Some investments have been made in central The surface water pollution caused by production activities of these villages has wastewater treatment facilities for some villages; however the effectiveness of these become increasingly severe, with different has been low. Therefore, wastewater is characteristics from different type of usually discharged to receiving sources activities ­ see Table 2.6. Agricultural food processing villages are among the biggest without prior treatment. wastewater generators, causing major Currently there are 458 craft villages in the impacts to the surface water environment. sub-basin with the vast majority in Ha Tay at Some typical examples are: the top of the river system - nearly 50% of Cat Que village, Hoai Duc (producing this total (Figure 2.28). Here, the amount of wastewater from only 11 villages in Ha Dong malt, vermicelli, sugar, dry rice and Hoai Duc is 15,000 to 18,000 m3/day. pancake): discharging 3,500 m3/day. This flows directly to the Nhue River without Duong Lieu village, Hoai Duc treatment. (producing vermicelli, starch): discharging 6,800 m3/day. Minh Khai village, Hoai Duc (producing vermicelli, starch): discharging 5,500 m3/day. (Source: Ha Tay provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2005) Table 2.6: Number of craft villages per main production sectors Province/ Total Silk Food Mechanical Handicraft, Construction Others City Number sowing/ processing timber material weaving/ processing dying Hoa Binh 34 29 - 5 - - - Ha Tay 219 29 33 10 96 - 51 Ha Noi 48 5 14 3 10 1 15 Ha Nam 40 5 8 1 26 - - Ninh Binh 30 4 - - 26 - - Nam Dinh 87 14 4 9 21 3 36 Total 458 86 59 28 179 4 102 Source: Departments of Natural Resources and Environment of provinces/cities, 2006 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 27 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Box 2.4: Environment pollution due to organic compounds, has seriously polluted production groups of craft villages the Nhue River and some parts of the Day The extent of polluted water from food and River. Hanoi contributes 54% of wastewater agriculture products processing factories is to the sub-basin, and Ha Tay ranks second very high. The major pollutants are organic with 17% (Figure 2.29). Both of these substance - 380 to 400 kg BOD5/tonne of sources are in the upper parts of the river so product, 600 to 650 kg COD/ tonne of that their effects are felt by communities product further down the system. Textile factories use lots of water and Ninh Binh Hoa Binh chemicals. Wastewater contains high levels Nam Dinh 5% 4% Hanoi of pigment and excess chemicals - 81 kg 13% 54% COD/tonne of product, 300 kg SS/ tonne of product. Ha Nam 7% Wastewater from mechanical factories contain waste exceeding TCVN (A) by many times: Cr(VI) by 420 times; Cr (III) by 18 to Ha Tay 17% 100 times; Pb by 6 to 24 times; Zn by 6 to 32 times Figure 2.29: Domestic wastewater of Wastewater from construction material provinces and cities factories contain a high level of SS which Source: The Institute of Geography, 2005 exceeds TCVN (A) from 1.3 to 7.3 times; SO4 - exceeds the standard by 300 to 400 2 The average population density in the basin times. is nearly 4 times higher than the national average. The population is increasing, Source: Study on "Application of technological solution and management in some small scale industries to especially in and around Hanoi, leading to a improve the environment of Nhue - Day River", 2003 steady increase in the quantity of domestic wastewater. Although the urbanisation In most of the craft villages, water quality process in parts of the sub-basin is rapid, parameters have exceeded the permitted urban infrastructure development cannot standards by many times. However, the keep pace with the growth causing an pollution by wastewater from craft villages is increase in domestic wastewater discharge. often local, and in total comprises 4% of the Most domestic wastewater has not been total wastewater volume discharged. treated and runs to lakes and rivers. Domestic wastewater Table 2.7 shows the estimated amounts of contaminants generated from domestic Domestic wastewater, with high loads of wastewater. Table 2.7: Estimated pollutants from domestic wastewater, 2005 Hanoi Ha Tay Ha Nam Nam Dinh Ninh Binh Hoa Binh Total COD 733 ­ (tonne/day) 226 - 323 182 - 259 59 - 84 141 - 201 66 - 94 59 - 84 1,045 BOD (tonne/day) 142 - 170 114 - 136 37 - 44 88 - 106 41 - 50 37 - 44 459 - 500 Total nitrogen (tonne/day) 19 - 38 15 - 30 5 - 10 12 - 24 6 - 11 5 - 10 62 - 123 Total phosphorous 1 - 13 1 - 10 0.3 - 3 0.8 - 7 0.4 - 3 0.3 - 3 4 - 39 (tonne/day) Coliform 3,145 ­ 2,526 ­ 823 ­ 1,961 ­ 919 ­ 813 ­ 10,187- (109 con/ngµy) 3,145,000 2,526,000 823,000 1,961,000 919,000 813,000 10,187,000 Oil (tonne/day) 31 25 8 19 9 8 100 SS (tonne/day) 535 - 692 429 - 556 140 - 181 334 - 431 156 - 202 138 - 179 1,732 ­ 2,241 Source: Polluted tonnage calculations of WHO, 1993; and populations in 2005, Statistical Year Book, 2005 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 28 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Hospital wastewater Box 2.6: Wastewater from animal Hospital wastewater is extremely dangerous husbandry and should be treated before discharge to With livestock of 10,000 head, each 1,000 the environment. However, currently there tonnes of meat produces 10,000-20,000 are few wastewater treatment systems at tonnes of dung and 20,000-30,000 m3 of most medical centres and hospitals. urine, and requires 50,000- 200,000 m3 Wastewater runs directly to the drainage water for washing sheds and facilities. system of the sub-basin via point sources. Source: Institute of Environmental sciences and Box 2.5: Hospital wastewater treatment in technologies, 2004 Ha Nam Investments in environmental treatment are There are 147 medical units/hospital in Ha generally not made, even in large livestock Nam. However, most do not have husbandry facilities. Therefore, wastewater wastewater treatment facilities, except for is discharged directly to rivers. the provincial General Hospital with treatment capacity of 400 m3/day using bio- Agricultural activities technology, and Binh Luc District General The Nhue - Day River sub-basin remains an Hospital with treatment capacity of 200 m3/day. important agricultural area with 60-70% of the population taking part in agriculture Source: Ha Nam provincial Department of Natural activities. The total crop area is around Resources and Environment, 2006 740,000 ha, about 10% of the sub-basin At present, there are about 26,300 sick beds area, of which rice counts for 70%. in the sub-basin (out of which Hanoi has Fertilisers and pesticides are a common 47%) in more than 1,400 medical bases ­ feature of cultivation activities, providing a see Figure 2.30. The wastewater discharge is estimated at nearly 10,000 m3/day. non-point pollution source throughout the sub-basin. The farmers in Phu Xuyen district (Ha Nam province) use an average of Ninh Binh Hoa Binh 8% 7% Hanoi 425 kg of fertiliser/ha/yr in comparison with a Nam Dinh 47% use of around 30 to 60 kg in regional 13% countries. This means that about 40 ­ 60% of the fertiliser used is wasted. Pesticide use is also relative high at 0.3 ­ 0.4 kg/ha Ha Nam (Reference: Dung and Chung). 9% Ha Tay The inappropriate use of pesticides, 16% particularly those of high toxicity has caused Figure 2.30: Proportion of hospital many harmful impacts on the health of the wastewater from provinces community and the environment, and could Source: Statistical Year Book, 2005 affect the sustainability of agricultural Animal husbandry activities production and rural development. Livestock farms are increasing in number Solid waste and in size, generating large volumes of Solid waste is a major polluting source for concentrated wastewater (Figure 2.31). In surface water in the sub-basin. Increasing Hay Tay, there are nearly 1.5 million economic development, urbanisation and animals. the strong increase in population are all adding to the total amount of solid waste. Of 1600 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 the waste generated, 80 percent is from daehfodnasuohT1400 domestic sources and the remainder is from 1200 1000 industrial production. The amount of solid 800 waste has been growing steadily over recent 600 years as the population grows. 400 200 Collection of solid waste is low in general, 0 especially in rural areas where an average Hanoi Ha Tay Ha Nam Nam Ninh Hoa Binh Dinh Binh of 20% is collected. In major cities, the rate of domestic solid waste collection is higher ­ Figure 2.31: Number of farming livestock see Figures 2.32 and 2.33. In rural areas, Source: Statistical Yearly Book, 2005 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 29 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins solid waste becomes piled up on the banks of rivers and lakes, polluting surface waters. 125 raeyrepsennoT120 115 110 105 100 95 90 2002 1 2003 2 2004 3 2005 4 Figure 2.34: Growth in hospital solid waste of Ha Nam Province Source: Ha Nam Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2006 Figure 2.32: Solid waste collection, 2003 River Flow Impacts Source: Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, 2004 The Nhue - Day River system is an inter- province irrigation system, supplying water from the Red River principally for agriculture. The operation of the water supply system has a significant effect on the river flows. Opening or closing these flow control works markedly affects water quality of the sub- basin, especially for the Nhue River. A study by Nguyen Quang Trung [2001] showed that the quality of the Nhue River can be improved significantly by using dilution flows from the Red River. His study showed that with a dilution rate of an additional 20% of the basic river flow, the Figure 2.33: Growth in waste and its values of BOD5 were reduced to 24% at a collection in Hanoi distance 10 kilometres down river of the To Source: Hanoi Urban Environment Company, 2005 Lich River junction. At a dilution flow of At present the collection and transportation 32%, the values of BOD5 were reduced to of urban and industrial solid waste is low. 59%, 20 kilometres down river. Except for the Nam Son Landfill site at Hanoi, other landfill sites in the sub-basin 2.3.3. Pollution forecast are using antiquated burial technologies. Based on an analysis of the socio-economic Most fill quickly and are not properly sealed - development planning of provinces in the after closure they still badly affect the Nhue-Day River sub-basin to 2010, the surrounding environment, providing a long- volume of wastewater is forecast to continue term, non-point sources of pollution for to strongly increase, especially that of Hanoi surface and groundwater pollution. city and Ha Tay province in the upper parts Harmful industrial and hospital solid waste is of the river system. The analysis indicates relatively small in volume, but is a growing that that by 2010 the wastewater volume of proportion of the waste generated ­ see Hanoi will have increased by 1.2 times and figure 2.34. This has a high risk of harm to Ha Tay by 1.9 times compared to that of human health and to the environment under 2005. current procedures for disposal. The environmental pollution level of Nhue- Day River sub-basin has been analysed based on three scenarios: Scenario 1: The wastewater volume in the sub-basin increases according to the planning targets, but it is not treated; Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 30 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Scenario 2: The wastewater volume in 12 the sub-basin increases according to 2005 the planning targets, but with 30% of 10 Scenario 1 all wastewater treated (existing and 8 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 additional); 6 4 Scenario 3: The wastewater volume in ertilrepgm the sub-basin increases according to 2 the planning targets and all of the 0 wastewater (existing and additional) is Te Tieu Que Bridge Hong Phu Khanh Phu Doc Bo treated to meet environmental Figure 2.37: Total phosphorous in 2005 standards. and estimation for 2010 Some of the results are shown in Figures Source: The Institute of Hydro-Meteorology and 2.35, 2.36 and 2.37. Environment, 2006 Under Scenario 1, by the year 2010 the Projections under Scenario 2 show some water quality of Nhue ­ Day River would be significant improvements over Scenario 1 at significantly worse. The BOD concentration some locations, particularly for total nitrogen. will have increased by 1.2 ­ 1.5 times; total However BOD5 would not meet TCVN (B). nitrogen by 1.2 to 1.85 times; total Under Scenario 3 there are further phosphorous by more than twice; and total improvements, particularly for BOD5. coliform by 1.3 times to more than twice. However, this would still not meet TCVN (A). This indicates the amount of residual 70 pollution in the system and means that 60 2005 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 extensive and costly treatment would be ertilrepgm50 required for the water to be suitable for 40 30 drinking water. Even to get to this stage, 20 significant investment in treating current 10 wastewater loads would be required as well 0 as ensuring all new developments are Te Tieu Trung Hieu Khanh Phu Doc Bo Muoi Ferry treated to proper environmental standards. TCVN (A) TCVN (B) Figure 2.35: BOD5 in 2005 and estimation for 2010 2.4. DONG NAI RIVER BASIN Source: The Institute of Hydro-Meteorology and Environment, 2006 Note that in the Dong Nai River basin, the wet season generally occurs from May to 18 2005 October, and the dry season from November 16 Scenario 1 14 to April. This is important when considering ertilrepgm 12 Scenario 2 the monitoring results presented in this 10 Scenario 3 8 section. 6 4 2 2.4.1 Current pollution levels 0 Te Tieu Que Hong Trung Khanh Muoi The Dong Nai River basin covers many Bridge Phu Hieu Ha Phu Ferry provinces and is affected strongly by many Figure 2.36: Total nitrogen in 2005 and sectors. The lower-river parts of some estimation for 2010 Rivers in the basin have been seriously polluted, with some sections becoming Source: The Institute of Hydro-Meteorology and Environment, 2006 "dead" rivers. The technical report Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam (ICEM for The World Bank), found that Ho Chi Minh City had the highest water pollution ranking of all the provinces/cities nationally; Bing Duong was third; and Dong Nai was fifth. For all provinces in the top 10 of the rankings, the analysis was extended to commune and enterprise level. This found Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 31 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins that the Thuan An commune in Binh Duong show that DO is low and N-NH4 is above ranked second nationally for water pollution; TCVN (A). At the Thi Tinh River mouth, N- Bien Hoa commune in Dong Nai ranked NH4 levels are over 30 times the allowable fourth; commune 1 in Nguyen Thai Binh limit under TCVN (A). District in Ho Chi Minh City ranked fifth; and an unspecified commune in Phu My District Around Ho Chi Minh City (from Thi Tinh river in Ba Ria Vung Tau ranked eighth. mouth to Binh Phuoc Bridge) there are clear signs of serious and increasing water The water of the mid-river sections of the pollution. Monitoring result show that pH is Dong Nai River (especially the part from alkaline and DO is very low, especially in the Thien Tan Water Plant to Long Dai - Dong areas close to An Léc Bridge and the An Ha Nai) has high levels of SS and organic area. DO does not meet TCVN (B) and is pollution. SS exceeds TCVN (A) by decreasing over time. Around Phu Cuong between 3 and 9 times, DO is lower than the Bridge, Coliform levels are over 16 times standard and COD exceeds it from 1.8 to 2.8 TCVN (B). times. At the Dong Nai Bridge the lead concentration has exceeded TCVN (A). The water quality monitoring results from 2000 at Phu Cuong, Binh Phuoc and Phu An The water quality of the River from Hoa An monitoring stations (Sai Gon River in Ho Chi Water Pumping Station to Cat Lai Station, Minh City) show that the river water of these through the Ho Chi Minh City area, has areas has been polluted by organic remained relatively stable since 2001. BOD5 substances, especially by oil and coliform. varies by about 2mg/l which is within the The DO value varies from 0.7 to 2.7 mg/l, permitted standards for domestic use. Oil which does not meet TCVN (A). The BOD5 concentration is around 0.025 ­ 0.029 mg/l, value varies from around 2 to over 14 mg/l while the Standards set a zero limit for and also frequently does not meet that domestic water sources. High micro-organic standard, especially at Phu An (Figure. pollution occurs in areas of Hoa An and Cat 2.39). Lai, but this is showing a reducing trend in recent years (Figure 2.38). 16 14 2000 ertilreplm12 10 2001 8 2002 6 2003 4 2004 2 2005 0 2006 Phu Cuong Binh Phuoc Phu An TCVN (A) Figure 2.39: BOD5 trends in the Sai Gon Figure 2.38: Trends in coliform levels at River at Ho Chi Minh City Hoa An, Dong Nai River Source: Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Natural Resources and Environment , 2006 Source: Ho Chi Minh's Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2005 Oil levels are well in excess of TCVN (A), The lower River quality is polluted and although they do show a decreasing trend in affected by saline conditions. The level of recent years (Figure 2.40). DO is decreasing while SS is over 2 to 2.5 2000 times TCVN (A) levels. This area also 0.14 0.12 2001 suffers saline intrusion so water in this area 0.1 2002 cannot be used for domestic water or 0.08 2003 2004 irrigation. ertilrepgm 0.06 0.04 2005 2006 The Sai Gon River is seriously polluted with 0.02 0 organic substance and micro-organism; in Phu Cuong Binh Phouc Phu An some areas there are signs of heavy metal TCVN (A) pollution. The water quality in the middle parts of the Figure 2.40: Oil levels along the Sai Gon river system, such as at Ben Suc bridge and River Thi Tinh River mouth, is locally polluted by Source: Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Natural organic substances. The monitoring results Resources and Environment, 2006 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 32 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins This area has also been polluted by high the Suoi Ca and Thi Vai Rivers, about 2 km concentration of coliform, which is from 3 to from the My Xuan industrial zone. The 168 times higher than TCVN (A). water is seriously polluted by organic Concentration levels increase from up-river substances and is a blackish brown colour areas, around Phu Cuong, to down-river with fetid odours, in both high and low tidal areas in Binh Phuoc and Cat Lat stations periods. (Figure 2.41). The DO value is often lower than 0.5 mg/l 120000 (Figure 2.42) - the lowest value registered is ertilillimrep 2000 100000 at Ve Dan port (0.04 mg/l). When the DO 2001 80000 value is at or nearly at zero, biological 2002 60000 2003 species are unable to live. 2004 NPM 40000 2005 20000 2006 0 Phu Cuong Binh Phouc Phu An TCVN (A) TCVN (B) Figure 2.41: Coliform along Sai Gon River Source: Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Natural Resources and Environment , 2006 Around Nha Be ­ Can Gio (the confluence of Sai Gon and Dong Nai Rivers), Nha Be and Ly Nhon (Nha Be River), Tam Thon Figure 2.42: DO levels in areas along Thi Hiep (Dong Tranh River) and Vam Co (at the Vai River (May, 2006) Vam Co River mouth), DO and BOD5 values Source: VEPA, 2006 meet TCVN (B). The oil pollution levels have tended to decrease over recent years. N- NH4 exceeds TCVN (B) from 3 to 15 Coliform pollution is still high and has been times(Figure 2.43); and coliform exceeds the increasing. standard from dozens to hundreds of times. Mercury levels at My Xuan Port exceeds Other Rivers in the basin also show TCVN (B) by 1.5 to 4 times and zinc by 3 to deteriorating water quality. 5 times. The high mercury level is of most The water quality of tributaries in the upper concern as it accumulates in sedimants and River Basin is declining - such as for the Be in fauna. River and the Da Nhim - Da Dung River. Iron levels are high, over TCVN (A) by 10 to 14 Mua Mua 12.5 times, causing difficulties in providing 12 Mua Kho 10 domestic water supply. In the wet season, 8 the suspended solid levels in the river are 6 high because of drainage from agricultural ertilrepgM 4 farmland. 2 The Vam Co River is polluted by organic 0 2002 2004 2005 2006 substances, with levels well over TCVN (A). This river also has signs of heavy metal Figure 2.43: NH4 levels along the Thi Vai pollution. The area around Kenh Xang River (near the Vedan glutamate plant) bridge (Tay Ninh, Vam Co Dong River) is Source: DONRE Ba Ria ­ Vung Tau, 2005 heavily polluted during the last months of the year. DO values are much lower than TCVN The system of lakes, ponds, and canals in (A), while N-NH4+ value is several times urban areas in the Dong Nai River basin are higher that the standard. River water quality seriously polluted does not meet the standards for domestic Surface water pollution in drainage canals in water use. inner Ho Chi Minh City has become one of A 10 kilometre long section of the Thi Vai the major problems of the basin. There are River is the most polluted area in the basin, 5 main drainage systems, with most of the and is called a "dead" river. This river canals highly polluted from organic and section is located behind the confluence of micro-organic compounds. Coliform levels are very high, exceeding TCVN (B) from Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 33 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins hundreds to tens of hundreds of times The environment along the canal's banks is (Figure 2.44). In the dry season, the seriously polluted, the fetish odours spread pollution becomes even worse. from the canal and some canal parts are obstructed by waste matter. lm001rep 40,000 30,000 2.4.2. Sources of pollution 20,000 NPM At present, the Dong Nai River basin is 10,000 experiencing strong population growth, 0 urbanisation and economic development - Nhieu Loc Tan Hoa Tham Tau Hu Ben Nghe Luong industrial zones are rapidly developing throughout the basin. This intense TCVN (A) TCVN (B) development has resulted in the discharge Figure 2.44: Coliform levels in canals in of large quantities of industrial and domestic Ho Chi Minh City, 2005 waste. The use of chemicals and pesticides Source: Vietnam's Environment Protection Agency in agriculture, contaminants from mining and from water transport are additional causes of Many canals in the cities have become pollution. The rivers are also experiencing wastewater canals where BOD5 values are pressure from increasing water extractions many times higher than TCVN (B) (Figure for off-river productive use and the strong 2.45). development of hydropower and other dams. 400 Domestic (urban) and industrial wastewater ertilreplM 300 make up the largest proportion of wastewater generated and are the major 200 point sources of discharge to surface waters. 100 0 Industrial wastewater Nhieu Loc Tan Hoa Tham Tau Hu Ben Nghe Luong At 2004 there were 9,147 industrial TCVN (A) TCVN (A) enterprises, 61% of which were in Ho Chi Minh City (Figure 2.46). As many of these Figure 2.45: BOD5 value in canals in Ho are interspersed in residential areas, it is Chi Minh City, 2005 difficult to monitor and control these wastes. Source: Institute of Natural Resources and This is a waste source with a high risk of Environment seriously affecting people and communities. Box 2.7: Pollution of drainage lines in urban areas. Van Mau drainage line (in the centre of Bien Hoa City, Dong An) is polluted from wastewater from the City. Water is seriously polluted by organic substance and coliform - DO content was monitored at only 1.6 mg/l and coliform at over 240 times TCVN (B). Ba Bo drainage line (Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City) is polluted by organic substance from wastewater from the industrial zones at Dong Figure 2.46: Number of industrial Nai and Song Than (Binh Duong Province), enterprises in provinces/cities and residential areas. The level of BOD5 is Source: Statistical Yearbook 2005 over 3.5 times higher, and DO over 5 times lower, than TCVN (B). Currently, there are 56 operating industrial and export processing zones, with most of Source: State of the environmental report and the situation of water management and protection in Dong Nai them located in the Southern Focal river system basin, 2004 Economic Region. Only 21 of these zones have central wastewater treatment systems. Monitoring results show that the Tan Hoa ­ The others discharge wastewater directly to Lo Gom drainage system is the most water sources. For example, the industrial seriously polluted, with DO value of almost zones and export processing zones in Ho zero. This situation has existed for nearly Chi Minh City discharge over 27,200 m3 of ten years, making the river a dead river. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 34 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins wastewater a day. Of this, only about 6,000 Minh City and Binh Duong), and the Thi Vai m3 a day is treated. River (from industrial zones and the deep The total industrial wastewater discharge in water port of Dong Nai and Ba Ria ­ Vung the basin is about 480,000 m3 per day. Tau). Together with domestic wastewater, Industrial zones (IZs) and export processing this has caused serious pollution to the zones (EPZs) contribute about 118,000 m3 a downstream areas of the Dong Nai and Sai day of this, with the largest volume from Gon Rivers. The Thi Vai River has been Dong Nai province (57%), and then Ho Chi particularly severely polluted. Minh City (23%), and Binh Duong province Recently, mining activities have developed (9%) (Figure 2.47). strongly in the basin. Groups of metal mines are located in the upper river areas (Lam Ba Ria-VungLong An Tay Ninh Ho Chi Minh Dong, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, etc); and Tau 2% 4% City Binh Duong5% groups of non-metal mines, mainly for 23% construction materials (sand, stone, clay, 9% etc) are located in the lower sections (Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Long An provinces). Exploitation activities are a major factor affecting surface water Dong Nai 57% quality, including heavy metal pollution. Figure 2.47: Proportion of wastewater Bauxite ore exploitation occurs in Lam Dong from industrial zones in the upper parts of the basin. There are about 50 mineral and gold mines in the Source: Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, 2005 northern part of Dong Nai province, Lam Dong and one in the southern part of Dak Table 2.8 provides, for cities and provinces, Nong province. The exploitation method is details of the industrial zones and the simple open cut, with little or no protection estimated pollution load discharged. Ho Chi for the water environment. Mining requires Minh City and Dong Nai and Binh Duong thousands of cubic metres of water and provinces provide the vast bulk of the generates thousands of tonnes of sediment wastewater, and therefore the pollutants. washed to the Dong Nai River. The receiving waters for the waste from Sand exploitation occurs from the alluvium these point sources are the middle and sand in the lower sections of the Dong Nai, down-river areas of the Dong Nai River Sai Gon, Vam Co Dong, Nha Be and Soai (receiving wastewater from the Dong Nai Rap rivers. Extraction activities in the lower and Binh Duong industrial zones), the Sai sections, especially in the Dong Nai River, Gon River (from industrial zones of Ho Chi cause serious erosion to the river banks. Table 2.8 Estimated wastewater and pollutants from industrial zones province No. of No. of No. with Waste Load of pollutants (kg/day) IZ & plants water water EPZ treatment volume TSS BOD5 COD Total Total facilities (m3 /day) N P HCM city 15 982 7 27,205 5,924 12,826 28,390 508 256 Dong Nai 17 608 6 67,680 8,317 6,264 46,828 920 261 Binh 12 613 7 10,620 410 224 651 132 17 Duong BR-VT 6 89 1 6,100 298 366 1057 42 8 Long An 5 47 0 1,717 Tay Ninh 1 68 0 5,000 (estimate) Total 56 2,407 21 118,322 Source: Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, 2005 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 35 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Wastewater from craft villages Domestic wastewater In 2002, in the south and mid-south, there There are 77 urban areas in the basin with a were 491 craft villages with 291 production total population of about 9 million people. units. They are involved with food These areas are distributed unevenly - most processing, sedge mat production, lacquer, are located in the Sai Gon River sub-basin. rattan and bamboo, pottery, embroidery, weaving, wood processing, metal processing There are 27 urban areas from the centre of and others. Nearly 28% of craft villages Ho Chi Minh City to Thu Dau Mot Town with specialise in rattan and bamboo processing, a population of about 6 million people. The followed by sedge mat production villages more rapidly the urbanisation process (around 19%), wood processing villages develops, the greater is the demand for (11%) and pottery production villages (7%). water and the amount of waste generated. The construction of urban infrastructure Most of the craft villages develop in an ad cannot keep up with the pace of hoc way to meet the demand of markets; development, adding to water pollution their equipment and technology are old and simple; production scales are small; and The amount of wastewater from urban areas wastewater treatment system are either not discharged to rivers of the basin is about there or not effective. 992,000 m3 per year. However, few urban areas have a wastewater treatment system Details of some craft villages are shown in meaning that large volumes of domestic Table 2.9 (their characteristics) and 2.10 waste are discharged directly to rivers (their pollution loads). causing organic pollution (high levels of BOD5, COD), nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorous), oil pollution, etc ­ see Table 2.11. Table 2.9: Some typical craft villages in the basin Craft village Location No. of prod. Wastewater Domestic Households volume wastewater (m3/year) volume (m3/year) Tra Co cassava Tra Co, Binh Minh commune, 65 105,480 83,424 processing village Thong Nhat district, Dong Nai Thuan An pottery village Hung Dinh commune, Thuan 800 - 211,846 An, Binh Duong Tan Binh Hiep Lacquer art Tuong Binh Hiep, Thu Dau 200 - 406,698 village Mot, Binh Duong Bao Loc silk village Bao Loc town, Lam Dong 5,000 180,000 4,701,200 Source: Report of the Environmental Technology Centre (ENTEC), 2002 Table 2.10 Pollutant load from some craft villages Craft village Load of pollutants (Kg/day) BOD5 COD SS Total N Total P CN NH4 + Tra Co cassava 218 544 282 43 7 1 - processing village Bao Loc silk village 145 379 310 984 132 - 742 Source: Report of the Environmental Technology Centre (ENTEC), 2002 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 36 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Table 2.11: Pollution from domestic wastewater, 2004 Province Pollutants (kg per day) TSS BOD5 COD N-NH4 + P total oil Lam Dong 22,824 14,658 27,138 951 517 2,603 Binh Thuan 1,000 594 1,074 43 24 90 Dac Nong 2,972 1,765 3,193 128 72 269 Binh Phuoc 7,448 4,494 8,170 317 177 707 Binh Duong 21,209 12,596 22,789 911 511 1,916 Tay Ninh 14,366 8,695 15,821 613 340 1,377 Long An 14,994 9,134 16,655 639 354 1,467 Dong Nai 34,620 22,512 41,820 1435 776 4,082 HCM 255,787 175,126 329,857 10,380 5,467 34,461 Total 375,220 249,574 466,517 15,417 8,238 46,972 Source: Institute of environment and natural resources, 2005. Ho Chi Minh City contributes the largest Box 2.8: Hospital wastewater in Ho Chi amount of domestic wastewater (77.5%). Minh City The lower sections of the Sai Gon River, which flows through the centre of Ho Chi In Ho Chi Minh City there are 109 hospitals Minh City, has been seriously polluted as it and medical centres with a total wastewater receives such large volumes of wastewater. volume of 17,000 m3/day. Of this about 13,000 m3/day is treated (78% of the total). Dong Nai provides the second largest However, the rate of hospital wastewater amount of domestic wastewater. Most of being treated to meet Vietnam Standards this runs into the lower sections of the Dong TCVN 6772-2000 is only 26% of the total Nai River leading to a seriously polluted volume. water environment, particularly by organic substances. The section flowing through Source: Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2006 Bien Hoa City, which receives 87% of the province's wastewater, is particularly bad. Animal husbandry Hospital wastewater Animal husbandry is strongly developed in Few hospitals/healthcare centres have Lam Dong, Binh Thuan and Dong Nai waste treatment systems. Most hospital provinces (Figure 2.49). In Dong Nai wastewater flows directly to the sewage provinces there are currently over 1.2 million system and to surface water sources. head of livestock. Hospital wastewater is a potential source for 1400 2001 transmitting infectious diseases through the 1200 2003 water environment. Figure 2.48 shows the 1000 2004 proportion of this wastewater from the 800 2005 provinces. 600 400 200 Dong Nai Ba Ria-Vung daehfosdnasuohT Binh Duong 10% Tau Ho Chi Minh 0 City Lam Binh Binh Tay Binh Dong Ba Ria- Ho Chi Long Tay Ninh 5% 3% 50% Dong Thuan Phuoc Ninh Duong Nai Vung Minh An 5% Tau City Binh Phuoc Figure 2.49: Number of livestock of 3% provinces and cities Binh Thuan 6% Source: Statistical Yearly Book, 2005 Ninh Thuan 3% Lam Dong Dak Nong Long An Wastewater from these activities is about 7% 2% 6% 147,300 m3/day. At present, wastewater Figure 2.48: Proportion of hospital treatment even in large farms is limited and wastewater, 2004 wastewater runs direct to surface water Source: Statistical Year Book, 2005 sources. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 37 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Agriculture and aquaculture and cities and the proportion of this which is collected. The Dong Nai River Basin has an agricultural land area of 1.8 million hectares nearly 50% of the basin area). Farming activities have been increasingly dependant on the use of fertiliser and pesticides. Based on an assumed chemical use of 1 kilogram of active ingredient/ha/year, this equates to about 180 tonnes of chemical applied each year in agricultural activities, and is the major source of non-point pollution in the basin. About half of this amount would stay in the soil. (Vietnam Figure 2.50: Solid waste in urban areas Country Report to the 7th GINC Conference Source: VEPA, 2004 in Tokyo, 2001). In the basin, there are 73 waste dump sites The improper use of these chemicals, of which few meet the sanitary requirements particularly those of high toxicity, causes of hygienic landfill, such as Go Cat, Phuoc many harmful impacts on community health Hiep (Ho Chi Minh City) and Nam Binh and the environment, and could affect the Duong Solid Waste Treatment Complex. sustainability of agriculture production and The others do not. rural development. Box 2.9: Problems with the Dong Thach In the lower sections of the Dong Nai River, Dump Site in Ho Chi Minh City there are about 351,478 hectares of alkaline Dong Thach is the second biggest dump site land. The exploitation and transformation of in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, with an these soil in areas such as Long An, Cu Chi, area of about 40 hectares. The site is not Binh Chanh (Ho Chi Minh City), together sealed so wastewater percolates into the with the use of alkaline fertilisers, have led to soil, causing underground water pollution. the increased acidification in the Sai Gon Many nearby residents use wells and, in a and Vam Co Dong Rivers. 20 km circle, are now not able to use this Aquaculture, including breeding ponds and water because of its poor quality and bad cages, has developed strongly across the odours. basin. Breeding technology is changing Additionally, leakage from the landfill (mainly from extensive to semi-intensive and from the wastewater storage lakes) into the intensive breeding with advanced underground water strata of surrounding technology. The total area of surface water areas has caused damages to the for aquaculture is 71,800 hectares, and the production and living activities of the local output is 500,000 tonnes a year. people, i.e. fish, pigs, chickens and ducks Wastewater from these activities is not have died and agricultural productivity is controlled and treated, and runs directly to reduced. Wastewater from the waste the environment. Moreover, the occasional storage lakes (about 200,000 m3 with large scale death of aquatic animal stock average COD concentration of about 40,000 contributes to pollution of surface water. ­ 50,000 mg/l) is not treated to environmental requirements. Solid waste In June 2000, persistent heavy rain caused There has been a steady increase in the a 6 meter high dumpsite wall to collapse. A solid waste matter generated as the great deal of waste and wastewater spilt population has risen. Ho Chi Minh City causing environment pollution and harming contributes the largest amount of waste ­ production and people's lives nearby. nearly 6,500 tonnes a day. Dong Nai Source: Institute of Environment and Natural contributes about 800 tonnes a day and the Resources, 2004 other provinces about 50 to 250 tonnes a day. Dangerous industrial wastes and hospital wastes are relatively small in quantity but Most of this waste in not collected nor are seriously contributing to the increase in treated. Figure 2.50 shows the amount of pollution. Figure 2.51 shows the growth in solid waste from urban areas in provinces hazardous industrial waste in the basin. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 38 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 20,000 Box 2.10: Oil spills in Ho Chi Minh City from 2003 to 2005 raeyrepsennoT15,000 Collision between the ship Fortune and an 10,000 oil tanker in An Giang on January 12, 2003: spill of 388 m3 of oil. 5,000 A tanker crashed against Kasco Quay on January 21, 2003: spill of 300 m3 of oil. 0 2000 1 2001 2 2002 3 2003 4 2004 5 2005 6 Shipwreck of Hong Anh Tanker (due to storm) on March 20, 2003: spill of 600 tonne Figure 2.51: Hazardous industrial waste of oil. generated in the Dong Nai river system Collision between 2 ship on April 6, 2005: Source: VEPA, 2004 spill of 540 m3 of oil. Water transportation activities Source: State of the environment Report, Ho Chi Minh City, 2005. Many of the rivers in the basin are large, Environmental problems due to broken oil stable and deep, making them suitable for pipes and oil containers in stores and ports river transport, especially in the down-river along the rivers are also sources of pollution. areas of Dong Nai, Sai Gon, Nha Be, Soai Rap, Vam Co and Thi Vai Rivers. A River flow impacts significant water transport and deep-water port system has developed. Many dams for water supply for hydro- electric, agriculture and urban purposes There are a total of 37 ports in the Southern have been developed. However, these Focal Economic region with a capacity of activities also reduce flows that mitigate from 1,000 to 30,000 DWT. The rapid against saline intrusion, and change the development of the port system and dilution and assimilative ability of rivers. increasing number of boats and ships has led to pollution from waste oils and domestic After the completion of Phuoc Hoa dam, the waste. Cleaning out oil carriers also change in the flow of the Be River to the Sai produces considerable oil residue. The Gon will contribute to improvements in quantity of waste oil from cleaning a tanker the quality of the Sai Gon River (which has is about 0.6% of the total quantity of oil acidified strongly) as well as providing contained in the tanker. Wastewater from greater dilution flows. However, the amount cleaning the boats runs directly to rivers. of water flowing to the lower sections of the Dong Nai River is going to decrease, Environmental problems, especially oil spills, meaning that pollution levels and salt are increasing due to water accidents and encroachment will increase. shipwrecks. In coastal area like Ba Ria ­ Vung Tau, oil spills also occur. Table 2.12: Correlation between river flows and BOD5 load Average BOD5 content (kg/day) BOD5 load in Indication of river each m3 of river assimilative flow from From Total water (g/m3) and dilution (m3/s) urban industry areas areas (R coefficient) ability La Nga rive 171.5 7,920 0 7,920 0.53 Good Be river 255.2 5,824 0 5,824 0.26 Very good Sai Gon river 93.5 162,399 174,94 21.66 Very bad 12,549 8 Vam Co river 169.7 17,153 280 17,443 1.19 Not bad Dong Nai river 871.8 51,327 5,145 56,472 0.75 Good Note: Dilution ability of river: R <= 0.5, "very good"; 0.5 < R <= 1, "good"; 1 < R <= 20, "not bad"; R > 20, "very bad" Source: Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, 2005 Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 39 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins The current average annual flow of the Sai 4.5 Gon River is much lower than that of other 4.0 rivers in the basin. This means that the 3.5 assimilative and dilution capacity of the Sai 3.0 2.5 Gon River is lower than that of the other 2.0 rivers and the pollution level is much higher. ertilrepgm 1.5 1.0 This compounds the pollution issues for the 0.5 Sai Gion River. 0.0 Cat Lai Nha Be Phu An Table 2.12 shows the correlation between 2005 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 river flows and BOD5 loads in the main rivers in the Dong Nai river basin. Figure 2.53: Total nitrogen in 2005 and estimation for 2010 2.4.3. Pollution forecast Source: Institute of Hydro-Meteorology and Environment, 2006 Based on an analysis of the socio-economic development planning of provinces in the 1.8 River basin, 3 scenarios have been 1.6 established for calculating the threat and 1.4 1.2 level of environment pollution in Dong Nai 1.0 river basin. ertilrepgm0.8 0.6 Scenario 1: The wastewater volume in 0.4 0.2 the sub-basin increases according to 0.0 the planning targets, but it is not Cat Lai Nha Be Phu An treated; 2005 Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3 Scenario 2: The wastewater volume in Figure 2.54: Total phosphorus in 2005 the sub-basin increases according to and estimation for 2010 the planning targets, but with 30% of Source: Institute of Hydro- Meteorology and all wastewater treated (existing and Environment, 2006 additional); Scenario 3: The wastewater volume in Under Scenario 1, it is predicted that by the sub-basin increases according to 2010 the wastewater volume discharging the planning targets and all of the into the Dong Nai River basin would have wastewater (existing and additional) is increased by about 1.5 to 1.7 times that of treated to meet environmental 2005. In Ho Chi Minh City and in Dong Nai standards. province, the wastewater volume would be much greater than current volumes, causing Some of the results are shown in Figures further serious reductions in water quality: 2.52, 2.53 and 2.54. BOD5 concentration would be increased by up to 1.4 times, total nitrogen by 1.3 times, 30 2005 total phosphor by up to 1.5 times in some 25 Scenario 1 locations, such as in the Nha Be area. ertilrepgm Scenario 2 20 Scenario 3 Projections under Scenario 2 show some 15 significant improvements over Scenario 1. 10 However, BOD5 would not meet TCVN (A). 5 0 Under Scenario 3 there are further Cat Lai Nha Be Phu An improvements, particularly for nitrogen. TCVN (A) TCVN (B) However, although BOD5 levels would be within the standard for the relatively less Figure 2.52: BOD5 concentration in 2005 polluted areas, at Nha Be predicted levels and estimation for 2010 would still exceed TCVN (A). This indicates Source: The Institute of Hydro-Meteorology and an enormous amount of residual pollution in Environment, 2006 the system and means that extensive and costly treatment would be required for the water at these locations to be suitable for drinking water. Even to get to this stage, significant investment in treating current wastewater loads would be required as well Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 40 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins as ensuring all new developments are The table shows that in Thai Nguyen, Cam treated to proper environmental standards. Gia commune was ranked first overall ­ suffering the most pollution generally ­ and 2.5 OTHER STUDIES first in terms of metals and SS discharged to surface water. It also ranked in the top ten Findings from the recently completed nationally for chemical pollution and BOD. technical report Analysis of Pollution from Five firms are causing the pollution, Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, (ICEM for employing 10,000 people. Di An commune The World Bank) confirm many of the in Binh Duong ranked second nationally, but findings presented in the preceding sections. this pollution was generated from 160 firms. In terms of water pollution, all provinces in The commune also ranked in the top ten the country were compared and the following nationally for all pollutant types. were the rankings for provinces in the 3 river In Binh Duong the leather tanning and basins that made up the top 10 most dressing sector employs 27% of all industrial polluting provinces. labour in the region. A similar situation is Province/City National Ranking found in Dong Nai where the leather tanning for water pollution and dressing sector has 34.3% of all Ho Chi Minh City 1 industrial employment. Hanoi 2 The ICEM report found that, nationally, three Binh Duong 3 industry groups contribute most to overall Hai Phong 4 water pollution. These are: Dong Nai 5 Thai Nguyen 7 1. Paper and wood products, including Ba Ria Vung Tau 10 corrugated paper and paperboard, particle board and plywood, and pulp Of the top 10, 7 are provinces/cities in the processing. three focus river basins. Of the top 5 provinces/cities, 4 are in the Dong Nai River 2. Chemicals, including agro-chemical Basin. products and medical chemicals, and soap, detergents, cleaning and polishing For the top ten provinces, the analysis was preparations, perfumes and toiletries. extended down to commune and enterprise level ­ see Table 2.13. Table 2.13: Top ranked communes for water pollution Provinc District/ No. Employ- Metals Chemicals BOD TSS Water e Commune firms ment ranking Thai Thai Nguyen/ 5 10,777 1 8 9 1 1 Nguyen Cam Gia Binh Thuan An/ 160 62,455 3 6 4 2 2 Duong Di An Dong Bien Hoa/ 74 24,720 7 3 1 4 4 Nai An Binh Ho Chi 1/Nguyen 29 8,568 9 7 2 5 5 Minh Thai Binh city Ba Ria Unspecified/ 8 2,727 6 4 8 8 8 Vung Phu My Tau Ha Noi Thanh Xuan/ 37 4,926 4 2 7 10 10 Phuong Liet Top 5 ranking Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 41 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 3. Metal processing, including processing, Box 11: Key baseline findings from the treatment and fabrication of iron and report Analysis of Pollution from steel and non-ferrous products, in Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam addition to general mechanical engineering. Industry is growing: industry has been growing very rapidly over the past decade As well, a broader group of food processing and is likely to continue to do so over the industries appear in the top 30 of the next ten years. Overall production in some industry sectors most contributing to water fields, such as iron and steel, cement, pollution, including 48 sugar refineries and textiles and ceramics are growing at factories, processing and preserving of fruit between 16 and 32 per cent. and vegetables and the "other food Industry is concentrated: most industry is products" category (which covers production highly concentrated in a few areas of the of coffee products, packing of tea, country which creates environmental manufacture of soups and broths, spices, problems and opportunities in terms of sauces and condiments, and frozen meat management. That concentration is and poultry dishes). In this list, fish intensifying and will consolidate over the processing is significant in terms of its next ten years. The growth of industrial impacts. zones and craft villages is creating new and In terms of the major pollutants, the significant small decentralised nodes of technical report found that although BOD production and pollution. and TSS loads represent the largest in terms Populations are growing and of their relative share to overall water concentrating: population density and pollution, of most concern are chemicals and numbers around those industrial centres will metals. Their persistence in the continue to increase dramatically over the environment and potential health linkages next decade. That trend is certain even makes them a higher priority in the short- though the Government's rural development term. Chemicals and metals that are highly and industrial decentralisation policies are toxic and represent high load shares to having an impact. water in Vietnam include: ammonia, Industrial pollution will continue to chlorine, chromium and formaldehyde. increase as industry grows: while In addition, the analysis for the report found technological innovation is happening in new that sub-sectors associated with highly toxic industry, the greater proportion of plants materials are fertiliser, pesticide, paper and operating now will continue to do so over the paperboard, plastics and leather sectors for next five years with little or no innovation. water pollution. Also, given current levels of uptake, only a relatively small part of the 15 per cent Most of these industrial sectors are annual growth in industry over the next five prominent in the three focus river basins and years is likely to be consistently clean. these should form the basis for a focused Therefore continued increases in the total approach to water quality management. pollution load can be expected. The toxicity and complexity of pollution 2.6 CONCLUSIONS will increase as industry grows: the This chapter has provided an overview of number and quantity of toxic chemicals and the current pollution levels of the focus river metals in pollution is expected to increase basins and an indication of the major rapidly as manufacturing processes diversify sources of pollution. and grow in volume. This anticipated trend presents major management problems for Pollution levels of rivers in the lower reaches industry and government. Preventative of the Dong Nai River Basin are the worst in measures will be essential because of the the country. The Thi Vai River is the most high cost of monitoring and clean up. polluted in basin with a "dead" section of 10 Source: Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing km, and drainage canals in inner HCMC Sectors in Vietnam, Technical Report prepared by suffer similar levels of pollution - extremely ICEM (International Centre for Environmental low DO levels, and high levels of N-NH4, Management) for The World Bank, January 2007 mercury and zinc. While these are the worst examples, there are many other pollution "hot spots" in the basin. Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 42 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins The Nhue-Day River sub-basin is also Scenario 1. However, the water quality severely polluted in places. The Nhue River would not meet TCVN (A). is the worst and is seriously polluted in its upper reaches. Even in the flood season, Under Scenario 3 (100% of all wastewater BOD5, DO, NH4+, and coliform all fail to treated) as expected there are further meet TCVN (B). Within Hanoi, surface improvements. In the Cau River sub-basin water in rivers, lakes and drains is also the water quality would nearly meet TCVN seriously polluted. Levels of DO are low, (A) meaning that the surface water could COD exceeds the standard by 7 to 8 times, generally be supplied for domestic use BOD5 by 7 times and coliform by 2 times. purposes after appropriate treatment. While these are the worst examples, there However, in the Nhue-Day and the Dong Nai are many other pollution "hot spots" in the River systems, although pollution levels sub-basin. would be within the standard for the The Cau River section flowing through Thai relatively less polluted areas, at some Nguyen is seriously polluted. SS, BOD5 and locations predicted levels would still exceed COD exceeding TCVN (A) by 2 to 3 times, TCVN (A). This indicates an enormous and the waters contain oil residues. There amount of residual pollution in the system are other badly polluted areas in the sub- and means that extensive and costly basin, mostly from organic pollution. treatment would be required for the water at these locations to be suitable for drinking The pollution in the three river basins is water. Even to get to this stage, significant generated from a number of sources ­ investment in treating current wastewater although point sources are by far the most loads would be required as well as ensuring significant. For the Cau River sub-basin the all new developments are treated to proper major pollution is caused by industrial environmental standards. production, craft villages and urban runoff. Wastewater from mining and mineral processing makes up 55% of the total industrial wastewater, metal production (29%) is the second largest, then paper production (7%), and food processing (4%). In the Nhue-Day River sub-basin, domestic wastewater accounts for the biggest proportion of wastewater (56%), making this sub-basin different to many other basins. Industry contributes 24% of the wastewater and craft villages 4%. In the industrial sector, mechanical engineering makes up 33% of production activities, food processing 15%, weaving and dying 13%, construction materials 13% and chemicals and paper manufacturing 8%. Major pollution in the Dong Nai River basin is dominated by domestic and industrial wastewater. Key industries that cause pollution dominate ­ for example, the wearing apparel, fabricated metal products, rubber and plastics products, and food and beverage industrial sectors in Ho Chi Minh City together represent 47% of all industrial facilities. In terms of the future, Scenario 1 projections were that, compared to 2005, the 2010 wastewater volume discharging to the three river basins/sub-basin will have increased by up to 1.8 times. Projections under Scenario 2 (with 30% of all wastewater treated) show some significant improvements over Chapter 2: Water pollution in the focus river basins 43 CHAPTER 3 IMPACTS OF WATER POLLUTION IN THE FOCUS RIVER BASINS CHAPTER 3: IMPACTS OF WATER POLLUTION IN THE FOCUS RIVER BASINS This chapter discusses the impacts of poor river water quality on the people who live in the three river basins and on the environment; and the economic costs imposed on the communities of the basins. 3.1 IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH pathogens. The pathogens of concern in water sources are mainly those that are found Waterborne diseases continue to be a major in the excrement (faeces) of humans or cause of sickness and death in the animals. If these micro-organisms are present developing world, especially for children. in water, and are not removed by water Since most people drink water every day, a treatment or disinfection, then people are very contaminated public drinking water source likely to suffer infections. High levels of has the potential to quickly expose nearly all coliform are a good indicator of potential members of a community to harmful problems. Chapter 2 showed that there is little chemicals or micro-organisms. treatment of sewage effluent before it is This section firstly discusses the current discharged to rivers and that significant situation regarding the provision of clean coliform levels are a common feature of rivers water and sanitation. Then it considers the in the three focus river systems. impacts of the poor quality of water sources When water environments contain excessive described in Chapter 2 on human health. heavy metals and pesticide, they accumulate in aquatic creature and plants. When used as 3.1.1 Clean water supply and foods, these transfer poisons to humans. In sanitation ­ an overview sufficient quantities, these chemicals can cause many physical disorders as well as In developing countries such as Viet Nam, diseases such as genetic mutation, cancer, many people have little option but to use anaemia, cardiovascular diseases (high blood polluted river water for their basic everyday pressure, blood circulation disorder, blood requirements ­ drinking, cooking, bathing, blockage), skin diseases (pigment changes, washing, recreation, household-scale crop tanning, skin cancer), diabetes, liver complaint and animal production, etc. Regular use of and related matters to the digestive system, polluted water can result in intestinal and mental disorders. These can result in (inflammation, digestion, parasitic worms, death. etc.), dermatological and gynaecological diseases, amongst others. Polluted water Over recent decades, the Government has with high levels of organic matter, oil, toxic invested heavily in the provision of clean water substances, etc will directly affect people's supplies and sanitation services. Under health when it is used for washing and eating. Vietnam's development target, by the year 2010, 95% of the rural population will be Pollutants can be natural (such as salts or provided with safe water. This is essential for other chemicals picked up by runoff over ensuring their basic well-being and reducing rocks and through soils) or from economic poverty. By 2010, 75% of rural households production and human processes as will have toilets that meet basic sanitation described in Chapter 2 (chemicals, standards. However, the current programme sediments, heavy metals, oil, polluting organic cannot meet the needs and is being substances). accelerated with significant international The microbiological quality of water is of assistance. particular concern since the most common People in many areas such as mountainous, and widespread health risk associated with coastal and dry areas do not have access to drinking water is contamination by micro- clean water. Nationally, in rural areas the organisms contained in faeces. Micro- average percentage of people having clean organisms that can cause disease are called water is 66% (2005). In the Cau River sub- Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 44 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins basin the average percentage is 61%; for the water quality to this, there is a clear link Nhue - Day this figure is 70%; and for the between the regular use of polluted water and Dong Nai it is 67% (Source: Centre of Clean human health effects. Therefore, the results Water and Rural Environmental Sanitation, MARD, presented in this section should be seen as an 2006). indicator of the impact of poor river water Different income groups have clean water quality. provisions at different levels. For example, in In Bac Kan province (where the Cau River and the Red River Delta, only about 50% of the its tributaries are less polluted) and in Thai poor have a clean water supply, whereas, the Nguyen province (where good quality water is percentage is 90% of the high-income people supplied from Nui Coc reservoir), the number (Source: The State of Clean water supply, of digestive infections is generally lower than Environmental sanitation and Rural people's health that of the provinces in the lower river in Viet Nam - Donor Review, 2005). This means sections, such as Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Bac that about half of the poorest people must rely Giang and Hai Duong, were people tend to on raw water from a river or on groundwater rely more on raw water from the river (Figure for their basic needs. Figure 3.1 shows the 3.2). sources of water supply for people in some provinces/cities. 2.0 1.5 elpoepfosdnasuohT 2,500 2,000 detcefni 1.0 1,500 %0.5 1,000 0.0 500 Bac Kan Thai Vinh Bac Bac Ninh Hai Nguyen Phuc Giang Duong 0 Hoa Binh Hanoi Ha Tay Ha Nam Nam Ninh 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Dinh Binh Figure 3.2: Percentage of the population Reticulated supply Self supply No access to clean water infected with diarrhoea Figure 3.1: Water supply in the Nhue-Day Source: Ministry of Health, 2005 river basin Similarly in the Nhue ­ Day River sub-basin, Source: Office of the National Target Programme on Clean Water and Rural Environmental Sanitation, 2004 provinces directly using polluted water from the Nhue River (particularly Ha Nam) As the investment costs for a household generally have higher levels of digestive domestic water treatment system is often complaints compared to other provinces with much higher than rural people's average less reliance on this water (Ninh Binh and income, many rural people must take their Nam Dinh) and especially compared to those water supply directly from rivers or from lakes that do not use the water at all (Hoa Binh) and ponds around the home. When the (Figure 3.3). surface water source is degraded, people are quickly and significantly affected. 2.5 2001 In urban areas and major cities of the 2 2002 basin/sub-basins the rate of providing clean 1.5 2003 water for living is generally high. However, elpoepfo 1 2004 the poor usually live in wards in which clean % 0.5 water and sanitary conditions are limited. 0 Ha Tay Ha Nam Ninh Binh Nam Dinh Hoa Binh 3.1.2 Domestic water supply Directly affected Indirectly affected Not by the River by the River affected human health impacts Figure 3.3: Percentage of people with In the Cau and Nhue ­ Day River sub-basins digestion complaints and the Dong Nai ­ Sai Gon River basin the Sources: Ministry of Health, 2005 rate of sicknesses related to surface water quality has been high. Although it is it difficult to accurately assess the contributions of poor Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 45 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Note that Figures 3.2 and 3.3 generally show Dysentry infections Diarrhoea infections a trend of declining incidences of sickness over recent years. snoitcefni 2.0 1.5 1.0 In Ha Tay and Ha Nam Provinces, districts 0.5 and communes through which the Nhue River % 0.0 Ben Cat Dau Thuan An Thu Dau Phu Giao Di An flows have much higher rates of people Distict Tieng District Mot Town District District infected by amoeba and diarrhoea than other Distict Indirectly affected districts not by river (Figures 3.4 and 4.5). Directly affected by the River by the River 2.0 Dysentry infections Diarrhoea infections Figure 3.6: Percentage of people infected detcefni 1.5 by amoeba and diarrhoea in Binh Duong 1.0 Source: Ministry of Heath, 2005 % 0.5 There are a high proportion of cases of 0.0 children infected with diseases related to H. Quoc H. My H. Ba Vi H. Phuc TX. Ha H Thuong H. Phu H. Ung contaminated water, as children are more Oai Duc Tho Dong Tyn Xuyen Hoa Directly affected Indirectly affected vulnerable and easily affected by their by the River by the River environment (Figure 3.7). Figure 3.4: Percentage of population Dysentry Diarrhoea infected by amoeba and diarrhoea in 70 districts in Ha Tay (2005) 60 Source: Ministry of Health, 2005 50 40 River affected communes Unaffected communes detcefni 30 1.2 %20 snoitcefni 1.0 10 0.8 0 0.6 2001 2002 2003 2004 0.4 %0.2 Figure 3.7: Percentage of children infected 0.0 Bacillary Amip Bacillary Amip Bacillary Amip in Thai Nguyen Ly Nhan Kim Bang Thanh Liem Source: Thai Nguyen Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2006. Figure 3.5: Percentage of people infected by dysentery (bacillary and amip) in Ha Box 3.1: Infections from the Nhue River in Nam communes Ha Nam In Ha Nam province, 21% of children under 5 Source: Institute of Geography, 2005 years old in Hoang Tay Commune have been In Binh Duong Province in the Dong Nai River infected with diarrhoea. In two communes of Basin, Phu Giao, Di An and Thu Dau town Hoang Tay and Nhat Tan (Kim Bang District), districts are not affected by polluted water and about 86% children were infected with ascarid, the rate of diarrhoea and amoeba is much 76% infected with hairworm and 9% infected lower than districts near the Sai Gon River - with hookworm. The rate of eye and skin such as Ben Cat, Dau Tieng, and Thuan An diseases and gynaecological problems is high. (Figure 3.6). Source: Institute of Geography, 2005 In addition, people in parts of the three river basins are being infected by heavy metals and pesticides in surface waters. Ingestion of food containing those contaminants (in vegetables, fish) over long periods accumulates in human bodies. In the Nhue-Day River sub-basin, a study was undertaken over two years in order to better understand the impacts of people using Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 46 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins contaminated water for irrigation, including Table 3.1: Pesticide Use in survey areas human health impacts (Reference: Nguyen Trung Dung and Vu Quang Chung). In 2004, Items Survey area irrigation in 6 communes along the river Rice Vege- Tea Grape system (from the top of the river to the end) tables was studied. The study had a sample size of Householders 367 500 540 693 about 750 farm households and in 2005, it surveyed was expanded to 11 communes. (No) The study found that 40% to 60% of Householders 100 100 100 100 households had eye infections, 20% to 40% using suffer intestinal problems and 20% to 40% pesticides had skin disorders. 80% of households (%) located in the polluted river sections thought Pesticide users that the costs they have to pay for the Male 5.9 69 62 92.7 treatment of illness related to the use of Female 94.1 31 37.1 7.3 polluted river water are increasing each year. Awareness of 20 19.3 49.7 52 3.1.3 Human health impacts from pesticides and their use agricultural chemicals Protective means Agricultural chemical are used by a high Sufficient 0 0 7 0 proportion of the population and on large land Partial 65 82.6 64.9 100 areas. The Vietnam Country Report to the Absence 35 17.4 28.1 0 7th Global Information Network on Chemicals Conference in Tokyo in 2001 provided the Cleaning the spraying equipments results of a study of 2,500 farmer households Special 0 0 0 20 in 4 areas of Viet Nam showing the close link cleaning area between the use of pesticides and the health Lake, pond, 86 29 51.4 77 of farmers. The analysis showed the rivers following problems: Well, or other 14 8 49.6 31 Most of pesticides used were of high water sources toxicity level (Classes I and II) with oral Chemical storage and use LD50 < 50 and 50-500 mg/kg. It was Special 20 01 66 80 found that some organophosphates storage classified as prohibited or of restricted facility use, such as methamidiphos, Disinfecting 100 100 100 100 monotocrophos and parathion methyl, measures were available. after spraying The number of sprays per crop season First aid 0 0 0 0 and the dosage applied was usually 2 to 4 availability times greater than the recommended Collect 40 0 48 70 levels and, most spraying equipment was wastes after of low quality. Therefore, levels of spraying exposure were unnecessarily high, costs of chemical use was high but the The study interviewed 898 farmers and found efficiency low. that 218 of them were suffering from health Most farmers had little awareness of the problems associated with pesticide poisoning, negative impacts of pesticide use. The such as: majority did not have appropriate Hypertension and hypotonic diseases (7% protective measures and storage facilities. and 13.5% respectively) The awareness of farmers on pesticides and Nerve disorders (39%) their safety use is reflected in Table 3.1 Digestive problems (29%) (percentage of farmers interviewed). Stomach and pancreatic intestinal problems (5.5%) Skin diseases (53.5%) Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 47 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Dysfunctions of excretory system (24%) There is little direct information or data on the The study showed that over 12% of people environmental health of the river and its interviewed suffer various pesticide related ecology in the focus river systems. Therefore problems at least once, over 4% twice, and some related factors are described here as 0.5% three times during their working lives. broad indicators of environmental conditions. There is no reason to assume that results of In the Cau River sub-basin, mining and related this study would not also apply from the use activities are a significant feature of the of agricultural chemicals in the river systems economy. Because the size, scope and under study. Farmers generally have poor production techniques of mining activities are awareness of safe and effective use of different, their individual impacts on the chemicals in agriculture. Also disturbing is environment also vary. However, it is evident that equipment used for chemical application that the environment is increasingly polluted is generally cleaned in public water sources, and damaged. In mining areas the local causing broader scale impacts on local ecological environment has been degraded communities. through the destruction of forests and the impacts of such a major land disturbance. At The consequence of these results is that some mines nearby areas of protection forests community health, agricultural product quality have become degraded and littered with and the rural environment are seriously waste piles. affected due to the toxicity of pesticides. Waste piles are often placed in unsuitable 3.2. IMPACTS ON THE places, resulting in severe erosion of the pile. ENVIRONMENT Virtually all mines have waste piles outside the mine area, causing environmental pollution Water (and sediment) quality is an important and local flooding. aspect of maintaining environmental values. Rivers act as conduits for pollutants by Wastewater from mining coal contains clay collecting and carrying run-off from and coal dust. This pollutes the surface water surrounding lands, and by receiving point and cause problems for aquatic wildlife. In source discharge of wastewater. Therefore, addition, mining coal requires open-cut surface water quality is closely linked to the exploitation to levels lower than the environment and land use in a river basin. underground water, causing water levels to be Chapter 2 has shown how changes in land lowered and decreasing the quantity of use for socio-economic development have underground water around the mines. seriously degraded water quality. Sand mining is a major activity in Bac Ninh, However, water quality is only one aspect of a Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen, which affects healthy environment - in many cases other river flows and river banks. Construction factors are also important, e.g. flow, habitat material sites and brick fields beside dams in condition, soil type, groundwater hydrology Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc and barriers to movement of aquatic wildlife. (especially around Dap Cau in the lower river Changes in river flow structure, riverbank section) block and modify river flows, damage vegetation, floodplain condition, flow bamboo areas and threaten the surrounding variability and in-river habitat also affect environment. These typically increase the environmental health. sediment load of rivers to levels far above those naturally occurring, causing problems Wastewater with high levels of organic for the survival of aquatic wildlife. substances creates favourable conditions for plants to grow, which, in excess, can Before wastewater treatment began in 2005, decrease oxygen in water, killing living in some of the Cau River tributaries, creatures. particularly the Ngu Huyen Khe River, organic substances and dangerous chemicals were Toxic substances such as oil, heavy metal routinely discharged to the river. This meant and chemicals in the water have serious that its water could not be used for drinking, effects on the ecology of the river system, eating or washing, and aquatic creatures were killing fish and destroying the natural food not able to live. Traditional uses of the river chain. were lost. However, since 2005, some Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 48 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins factories have changed their production 3.3 ECONOMIC IMPACTS technology (Hoang Van Thu Paper company, Thai Nguyen cast iron factory) which reduces 3.3.1 Domestic water supply environmental pollution. Despite this, in many other parts of the Cau River, the quality of In the three focus river systems, rivers are a river water remains degraded, which affects common source of supply for towns. For the environment, the river and people's lives. example the Day River and some its tributaries are water sources for water supply In the Nhue - Day River sub-basin facilities in Phu Ly Commune (Ha Nam), Ninh aquaculture is a significant industry. Binh Commune (Ninh Binh), Y Yen District, Increasingly most of the surface water quality Nghia Hung (Nam Dinh) and some riverside indicators do not meet the Vietnam standard. communes. Therefore, the output and the quality of aquaculture product is changing. Sudden Currently in Nam Dinh, there are total of 42 changes in water quality dramatically impact water supply works with an output capacity of on aquaculture farming. 90,000 m3/day. Their water source is the Day and Dao Rives where quality is now tending to In the dry seasons, water diversions from the reduce to below the standard. Other areas Red River to the Nhue River are limited and a (Ha Dong and the urban areas in the south of large amount of water from Hanoi's drainage Hanoi) have used underground water as an system flows down the Nhue River. This urban supply source. However, the causes sudden increases in poisonous groundwater is directly or indirectly related to substances (CO2, H2S, CH4.) and decreasing the Nhue-Day river flows and their quality. oxygen levels. Cases of mass death of aquaculture fish occurred in 1994, 2002, and Box 3.2: Water shortage is worrying 60,000 2003. Where aquaculture fish are people in Ha Nam significantly affected, it can be assumed that Underground water is affected by high salt native river fish and other aquatic species are levels and Phu Ly Town is using water from similarly affected. the Nhue and Day Rivers for its supply. The level of pollutants in the Dong Nai- Sai However, in the dry season the two rivers are Gon River basin is so high in parts of the badly polluted and the two supply works for basin that that there is no capacity for them to the town have had to stop production. disperse and there is little dilution effect. This The Ha Nam Water Supply Company said that leads to some river sections being classified the town has been short of water since 2001. as "dead" sections. Heavily polluted surface In October and between 9th November and water runs into brackish and lower estuarine 14th December 2005, water in the Nhue and areas, which also seriously influences this Day Rivers was black and smelly. Both water environment and its aquatic wildlife, and supply works had to stop their production. reduces the level of aquaculture production. Source: Vnexpress, 22 March 2006 The Thi Vai River is an examples of how the As most raw water quality (surface water and environmental pollution can directly affect the underground water) for urban areas generally aquatic ecological system of the river. Along does not meet the standards, the raw water this river, wastewater from ports and industrial needs to be treated before it can be provided zones is not treated or poorly treated before to communities. Water treatment costs 1,500 discharge to the river. Pollutants remain in to 2,000 VND/m3, for normal raw water. the river for a long time and its flows are These costs increase to 2,500 VND/m3 or affected by tides. A section of about 12 km more if raw water is polluted by organic (from Ca River to Thi Vai River about 2 km to substances. (Source: Urbanisation Phu My Port behind the My Xuan industrial Environmental Technology Centre and zone) is seriously polluted and is regarded as CEETIA Industrial Zones), and even higher for "dead". Shrimps, fish and other species more serious pollutants. hardly exist and cannot develop. Seaweed can live in nutrient rich and dirty waters and their excessive growth contaminates the water environment. Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 49 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Box.3.3: Water treatment costs in Ha Nam of aquaculture product is deteriorating. Sudden changes in water quality dramatically Mr. Lai Thanh Tuyen, Vice Director of Ha impacts on aquaculture farming, especially Nam Water Supply Company said that in the cage-fish farming. dry season between November and March, the cost for water treatment is 3 or 4 times Box 3.5: Loss of caged-fish farming in Ha higher than normal. In seriously polluted Nam Province days, the suppliers had to stop production. Over the period 2000-2003, from November to To solve the problem, it is necessary to move March, polluted water from the Nhue River to the water supply facilities 2 km upstream, and the Day River killed many fish and shrimp. this will cost about VND 7 billion. Water from Thanh Liet Dam (Hanoi) during Source: Enterprise Forum, dated 2/12/2003 November 22 to November 26, 2003 caused heavy losses in Chau Thuy, Chau Giang, Phu Ly Commune, Ha Nam Province. Nguyen Van Box 3.4: Water treatment costs in Dong Nam, investing 70 million dong to raise caged Nai fish, lost 3 tons of breed fish and 10 tons of The Dong Nai River at Hoa An Pumping valuable fish; Bui Quoc Ky lost 400 million station (supplying water to HCMC and Bien dong along 2.5 km of river used to raise caged Hoa City) is now polluted with BOD5 fish. concentrations at twice the standard. The Source: The Business Forum, 2003 price for each m3 of water after treatment increases by 4,658 VND (which is more In 2005, the area of surface water for expensive than the present price per m3 of aquaculture in 11 provinces of the Dong Nai water supply). The result will be that the price River basin was 71,800 hectares with a for each m3 of water after treatment is 9,077 production output of 488,921 tonnes a year. VND/m3. Therefore, on average per day, the This production has been growing strongly, Thu Duc water station has additional costs particularly in the brackish waters at the lower about 5.9 billion VND. end of the river system. Much of this is now threatened by pollution. Source: Environment Protection Project in Dong Nai River Basin , 2003 3.3.3 Agriculture 3.3.2 Aquaculture Agricultural practice in Vietnam is dependent The Government is promoting aquaculture as on irrigation. Because of climatic constraints, a means of enhancing incomes and reducing it often has with a heavy reliance on surface poverty. Aquaculture and processing fish water and groundwater for irrigation of crops. products are an important means of An important national goal is to maintain or increasing export earnings ­ the sector improve the productivity of irrigated already is the third highest export earner. agricultural land. The quality of water used in However, most producers are poor and irrigation can have a major effect on the soil, inefficient with no understanding or capacity plant and water factors at the crop level. Key to introduce environmental management. issues concerning the effects of irrigation water The need for satisfactory water quality to quality include: maintain viable aquaculture operations is an Soils: root zone salinity, soil structural increasing problem. Poor water quality has a stability, build-up of contaminants in significant influence on the quality and soil, effects on soil biota, and the quantity of aquaculture product, results in loss release of contaminants from soil to of production of culture species, and can also crops and pastures. lower the quality of the end product. Crops: yield, product quality, salt In the Nhue - Day River sub-basin in 2005, tolerance, specific ion tolerance, foliar the surface water area of aquaculture was injury, and the uptake of toxicants in 42,900 ha with an output of 121,360 produce for human consumption, tonne/year. As most of the surface water contamination by pathogens. quality indicators increasingly do not meet the Vietnam standard, the output and the quality Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 50 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Water resources: deep drainage and 500 leaching below the root zone, and 390 400 337 344 379 movement of salts, nutrients and 301 297 300 235 249 276 contaminants to groundwater and 200 200 180 173 surface waters. eratcehrepsmargoliK 120 100 80 80 42 44 40 0 Other important factors: quantity and N P K N P K N P K N P K N P K N P K seasonality of available water, soil properties, crop species and Tu Liem Than Tri Thuong Dong Van Ung Hoa Kim Son Tin management options, land type, and No serious pollution Serious pollution Mid - level pollution groundwater depth and quality. Figure 3.8: Use of chemicals for rice growing For example, yield reductions occur if the Source: Nguyen Trung Dung and Vu Quang Chung salts accumulate in the root zone to such an extent that the crop is no longer able to However, the rice yield in the pollution- extract sufficient water from the salty soil affected locations (Than Tri and Thuong Tin) solution, resulting in a water stress for a is lower, especially the summer paddy rice significant period of time. If water uptake is which is 20% lower - Figure 3.9. significantly reduced, the plant slows its rate 6 5.4 of growth. The plant symptoms are similar to 4.9 5 4.3 4.1 4.3 4.6 4.5 those caused by drought. 4 3.3 3.8 2.9 3 In the Nhue-Day River sub-basin, a study was 2 undertaken over two years in order to better eratcehrepsennoT1 0 understand the impacts of using contaminated water for irrigation (Reference: retniW Dung and Chung). In 2004, irrigation in 6 remmuS retniW remmuS retniW remmuS retniW remmuS retniW remmuS communes along the river system was Tu Liem Than-Tri Thuong-Tin Dong-Van Ung-Hoa studied (Tu Liem, Thanh Tri, Thuong Tin, Dong Van, Ung Hoa and Kim Son). The Figure 3.9: Rice yields study had a sample size of about 750 farm Source: Nguyen Trung Dung and Vu Quang Chung households and in 2005, it was expanded to In the pollution-affected communes, the 11 communes. vegetables which are grown on the riverbanks The study found that because of the high sell for half price in the local market. Since levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium 2000, aquaculture production has not been (NPK)in wastewater, the additional application possible. The study concluded that using of chemical fertilisers became unnecessary, heavily polluted water can save some fertiliser or could be considerably reduced. The costs, but reduces the income from rice chemical fertiliser amount needed for rice production (Table 3.2). production in communes with high pollution Table 3.2: Fertiliser costs and income from level is generally lower than in the other rice production communes ­ the amounts of nitrogen and potassium used in Than Tri and Thuong Tin is Fertiliser Income significantly less that that of the other cost communes (Figure 3.8). (000' VND/ ha) Tu Liem 1,324 2,380 Than Tri 1,258 2,150 Thuong Tin 1,375 2,370 Ung Hoa 1,653 3,740 Dong Van 1,796 2,490 Kim Son 1,788 3,390 Source: Dung and Chung Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 51 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins This study can be extrapolated to the other Currently the water in the Nhue-Day River rivers and indicates that the communities in sub-basin is being over-exploited, particularly the these focus river basins are suffering real when diversions from the Red River are not costs because of the high levels of pollution. being made. The continual flow of wastewater These communities have little option but to to the river, and the extraction of water from continue using the river water. the river for agriculture, has lead to the Good-quality drinking water is also essential deterioration in water quality discussed in for successful livestock production. Poor- Chapter 2. Water quality does not meet quality drinking water may reduce animal requirements for domestic use or aquaculture, production or impair fertility; in extreme cases, limiting opportunities for development and stock may die. Water quality requirements for imposing real costs on river communities by livestock may differ between animal species, making the scarce water resources less stages of growth and animal condition. productive and useful. Contaminants in drinking water can produce In the Dong Nai River basin the water is used residues in animal products (e.g. meat, milk for three main purposes: domestic water and eggs), adversely affecting their saleability supply, agriculture and industry. The major and/or creating human health risks. part of the water is currently used for agriculture and domestic use, but this will 3.3.4 Pollution and river flows reduce in the future as the water for industry and domestic purposes will increase. This will In all three river systems, there are currently naturally lead to competing interest among water shortages in the dry months, which are sectors and related provinces in the basin. quite serious in some locations. Poor water quality exacerbates these problems as it From a basin perspective, the socio-economic makes the water far less useful for productive development of one province/city always has purposes. potential impacts on the use of water in another or many other provinces/cities. If As discussed in Chapter 1, the available upstream provinces increase their water use yearly water in the Cau River sub-basin is and extract more water from rivers, or pollute exceptionally low ­ around 656 m3 per the water source making the water less useful person. This water flow is unevenly for community needs, the threat of water distributed over the year and in some conflicts in the down-river areas will be locations there is a real shortage of water, increased. especially in February to March. At these times there is competition over access to 3.4 CONCLUSIONS water and the water that is available is diverted from the river mostly for irrigation use The lack of a safe water supply and human - over 85% of the water use in the sub-basin waste disposal system causes waterborne is for irrigation. As the pollution discharges disease to spread easily in poorer areas. continue, the contaminants in the water are Many people in the focus river basins/sub- increasingly concentrated and the quality of basins do not have access to clean water. In water quickly declines. the Cau River sub-basin the average percentage of people having clean water is The Nhue-Day river basin is used for many 61%; for the Nhue - Day this figure is 70%; different, even conflicting purposes - such as and for the Dong Nai - Sai Gon it is 67%. As domestic use, agricultural irrigation, animal the investment costs for a household domestic husbandry, aquaculture, industrial production, water treatment system is often much higher and craft production. These different water than rural people's average income, many uses lead to conflicts between the sub-basin rural people must take their water supply provinces over how they need to use the river directly from rivers or from lakes and ponds system. Ha Noi and Ha Tay use the Nhue around the home. When the surface water River as a receiving and draining medium for source is degraded, people are quickly and wastewater, whereas Ha Nam, Nam Dinh and significantly affected. Ninh Binh use the rivers as water sources for agriculture, aquaculture and domestic use. Although it is it difficult to accurately assess the contributions of poor water quality to human health, there is a clear link between Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 52 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins the regular use of polluted water and human increasing problem in all three basins/sub- illness. In the focus river basins the rate of basins. Poor water quality has a significant sicknesses related to surface water quality influence on the quality and quantity of has been high ­ provinces and communes aquaculture product and can result in loss of located near polluted rivers generally have production of culture species. higher rates of dysentery and diarrhoea than those located away from such rivers. There is little direct information or data on the However, the level of sickness has showed a environmental health of the river and its declining trend recently. ecology, as a result of poor water quality, in the three river systems. Therefore other There are also a high proportion of cases of factors are described as broad indicators of children infected with diseases related to increasingly degrading environmental contaminated water, as children are more conditions. vulnerable and easily affected by their environment. In all three river systems, there are currently water shortages in the dry months, which are In the three river systems, rivers are a quite serious in some locations. The continual common source of supply for towns. flow of wastewater to the rivers and the However, as most raw water quality generally extraction of water from the river for does not meet the standards, the raw water agriculture and other purposes has lead to the needs to be treated before it can be provided deterioration in water quality discussed in to communities. This is imposing substantial Chapter 2. Water quality does not meet costs on the river communities. In some requirements for domestic use or aquaculture, cases water production has to be stopped limiting opportunities for development and completely as the water is so badly polluted. imposing real costs on river communities by Agricultural chemical are used by a high making the scarce water resources less proportion of the population and on large land productive and useful. areas. Most of pesticides used are of high toxicity level and some chemicals classified as prohibited or of restricted use were available. The application of chemicals is usually far greater than recommended, levels of exposure are unnecessarily high, and the costs of chemical use is high but efficiency is low. Most farmers have little awareness of the negative impacts of pesticide use and do not have proper protective measures and storage facilities, and wash their equipment in river or lakes. A study has found that around 25% of farmers were suffering from health problems, and that over 12% of people suffer problems at least once, over 4% twice, and 0.5% three times during their working lives. Polluted water also has a major impact on irrigation. On the one hand, because of the high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in wastewater, the additional application of chemical fertilisers became unnecessary, or could be considerably reduced. But on the other hand, and much more seriously, the rice yield in the pollution- affected locations is lower, especially the summer paddy rice. The need for satisfactory water quality to maintain viable aquaculture operations is an Chapter 3: Impacts of water pollution in the focus river basins 53 CHAPTER 4: CURRENT WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT Water quality protection is central to the planning, exploitation and protection of water resource in river basins. However, management of water quality in river basins faces many difficulties: it crosses many laws and sub-laws and comes under the scope of many industries and agencies; the mandates and duties amongst ministries and departments are only recently clarified; river basins are still managed according to administrative lines; and mechanisms to mobilise participation of private organisations, non-government organisations, international organisations and the community in water resource development and protection are not yet effective. This chapter provides an overview of the framework for water quality management in Vietnam, within which the three focus sub basins operate. 4.1 LEGAL AND POLICY toxic, radioactive and other hazardous FRAMEWORK substances to water sources. The LEP provides regulations on water quality There are many documents that give legal management and river water protection. status to water quality management in river basins. The principal laws are the Law on The LEP provides the basis for environmental Environment Protection, 2005 (LEP), the Law standards, including those for waste on Water Resources, 1998 (LWR), the Land discharge, and provides the requirements for Law (2003), the Vietnam Standard ­ strategic environmental assessment reports. Standards of river and pond water quality Organisations and individuals must comply (revised in 2005), and various resolutions and with environmental protection requirements sub-laws to give effect to the primary laws. not only during inventory, exploration and the exploitation and use of natural resources, but Box 4.1: Provisions of the LEP on water also upon completion of the exploitation protection 2005: activities. Item 2, Chapter II, includes Article 59, 60, 61 The LEP has specific provisions for the and 62 on river water protection: environment protection requirements for: Article 59: providing principles for water concentrated production and service protection: areas (Article 39); 1. River water environment protection must production and services establishments be one of the crucial contents of the planning, (Article 40); exploitation and use of water resources in river craft villages (Article 41); basins. medical establishments (Article 42); 2. Localities neighbouring the river basins are jointly obliged to protect the environment of construction activities (Article 43); the river water; proactively share the benefit transportation and traffic activities (Article brought about by river water resources and 44); ensuring the interests of the river-dependent mineral resources activities (Article 47); communities. tourism (Article 48); Article 60 on monitoring and treating water agriculture and fisheries (Article 49); pollution and water degradation in river basins. concentrated farming areas (Article 50); Article 61 on the responsibility of Committees at provincial level for water protection in river dealing with polluting production and basins. service establishments (Article 52); and Article 62: organisational arrangements for urban and residential areas (Articles 53 water protection. and 54). The LEP prohibits the discharge of wastes to water sources which are not at the environmental standards; and the discharge of Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 54 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins The LEP provides a comprehensive basis for managing environmental quality in Vietnam. 4.2 ENVIRONMENT AND However, it is a relatively new Law and its NATURAL RESOURCE implementation is not well advanced. Many MANAGEMENT IN RIVER of its provisions are new and guidelines on BASINS their application are being developed. As well, the Law in not well known or 4.2.1 National Level understood in the community. The creation of MoNRE was an important The Vietnam standards relating to the part of the Governments Public environment protection of rivers, pond and Administration Reform programme in terms lake water for the purpose of water use were of role separation in the natural resource firstly issued in 1995, and were revised in and environment sector. MoNRE has 2001 and 2005. However, there are no responsibility for the state management of standards developed yet covering sediments natural resources and the environment and solid residue. (bringing together the state management The LWR covers surface water, rain, functions for land, water, minerals, groundwater and sea water. Under the Law environment and related functions such as it is strictly prohibited to introduce into water hydrometeorology, surveying and sources, without a permit, any noxious mapping). The establishment of the State waste, unprocessed discharge water or water resource management functions water that has been processed but not up to within MoNRE separated this from the permissible standards as provided under operational water service delivery functions the legislation on the protection of the of other Ministries. Table 4.2 shows the environment. Permits to discharge key water related responsibilities of wastewater must be based on the receiving Ministries. capacity of the water source. Wastewater Since the creation of MoNRE, there has must be processed in order to reach the been some confusion on the respective permissible standards before discharge. roles of MoNRE and the Ministry of The LWR provides that organisations and Agriculture and Rural Development for river individuals have rights to take water from a basins. Recently, Government Decision water source. Generally a licence is required 43/2007/TB-VPCP of 15th March 2007 to take and use water, but there are some clarified the assignment to MoNRE of the exceptions to this for family scale purposes. overall responsibilities for river basin management in Vietnam. The Government The Land Law requires the reasonable decision required MoNRE to prepare a exploitation of natural resources and the decree on river basin management by mid- protection of the environment in all land use 2007. zoning and planning activities as a basis for land allocation. Based on the LWR, The National Water Resources Council was established in Although these laws provide a sound basis 2000. The Council is chaired by the Deputy for water quality management, the Prime Minister, with Deputy Minister level application and enforcement of the Laws in participating members from MoNRE, pollution control is still limited and under MARD, and Ministries representing development. Currently, very few fisheries, science and technology, planning enterprises comply with the legal and investment, finance, industry, requirements. construction, transport, health and National Defence. The Council advises the Government on policy, strategy and approval of river basins plans; major projects on water sources development; disputes over water; and international aspect of water resources management and development. Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 55 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Table 4.1: Water related responsibility of has been assigned to MoNRE to undertake Ministries this work. Ministry of Management of water 4.2.2 Provincial and river basin Natural resources, water quality, Resources and planing for the use, level Environment management and Since 2003, 64 DoNRE's have been (MoNRE) protection of water established in provinces and cities, resources in river basins, including Departments of Environment licensing of water use and Management. Some provinces have also wastewater discharge. established Centres for Monitoring or Ministry of Irrigation, flood prevention, Environment Monitoring Agencies. Agriculture and water supply for rural living, At the river basin level, a number of river Rural management of irrigation basin organisations/boards have been Development schemes and dykes established. Decisions on the (MARD) establishment of planning management Ministry of Establishment and boards for the Cuu Long River Basin, Dong Planning and implementation of all socio- Nai River Basin, and Hong-Thai Binh River Investment economic development Basin were issued by MARD in 2001. (MPI) strategy However, these organisations are no longer Ministry of Hydropower development active. Industry (MOI) through EVN More recently, under the ADB's TA 3892: Ministry of Appraisal of draft and Second Red River Basin Sector Project, Science and announcement of water which started in 2001, MARD established Technology quality standard by organisations for the Cau River sub-basin (MOST) MONRE and Nhue-Day River sub-basin. Following Ministry of Design and construction of the Government's Decision 43/2007/TB- Construction urban water supply and VPCP, the future of these boards is not (MOC) drainage schemes clear. Ministry of Water transport and port On 7 August 2003 the leaders of 6 People's Transportation system Committees of provinces/cities in the Nhue- (MOT) Day River sub-basin committed to protect Ministry of Aquaculture and aqua- the environment in the basin. The Prime Fishery (MOF) product processing Minister assigned the Hanoi People's Committee to preside over and cooperate Ministry of Drinking water quality: with other provinces/ cities to prepare an Health (MOH) establish and monitor water Environment Protection Plan for the basin. quality standards However, the Plan has not been finalised Ministry of Policies on taxes and fees as the Hanoi People's Committee was Finance (MOF) for water resources unable to act as the coordination unit. During 2006, the Government requested In the Dong Nai River basin an MoNRE to prepare plans for the integrated Environment Protection Committee was exploitation, use and protection of water established in November 2001, including resources in major river basins and for key representatives from the 11 People's economic zones (Prime Minister's decisions Committees of provinces and cities. On 113/2005, 123/2006 and 191/2006). In 28th December 2001, a meeting of the Chair response to this, MoNRE is currently people of the People's Committees of preparing three river basin plans ­ for the provinces/cities discussed cooperation Dong Nai River basin, the Ba River basin among localities for water source and for the rivers within the Northern management in the basin. On 21 March Economic Zone (broadly covering the Red 2002, a Government decision was made on River Delta). Design proposals for these the preparation of a master plan for water plans have been approved by the protection in the basin (Official Letter No. Government and additional State funding 291/CP-KG). The Ho Chi Minh City Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 56 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins People's Committee led the preparation of To establish common principles and a the Environment Protection Plan, which has framework for water resources been completed and is with the Government protection, exploitation, development for Review. and use; prevent and mitigate damages In May 2004, MONRE cooperated with caused by water; protect the localities in the basin and scientific agencies environment of the within-border basin to develop an Environment Protection area; identify objectives; and set Programs for the Dong Nai River basin. priorities and general solutions for planning. In the Cau River sub-basin, the Chair-people of the People's Committees of the 6 To identify measures and activities to provinces have agreed a shared commitment use and manage water resources in a to the protection and sustainable exploitation sustainable manner, including of water in the Cau River sub-basin. A measures for: provisional steering committee was founded o sharing, exploiting, using and to coordinate activities and an Environment developing water resources; Protection Plan has been prepared - "A o protecting water resources and general project on protection and sustainable water ecosystems; development for ecological environment and o preventing and mitigating landscape in sub River Basin" ­ and has damage caused by water. been approved by the Prime Minister (Decision No. 174/2006/QD ­ TTg). On the Irrigation and hydro-power are the two 8th November 2006, a number of priority sectors most strongly and directly affecting measures were agreed for early the quantity and distribution of river flows in implementation of the Plan. the three river basins under study. Rivers are controlled by reservoirs, dykes, and Although many initiatives have been taken, other structures changing flows and flow management of river basins faces many patterns. Sector planning has taken place difficulties: There are problems with as follows: irrigation planning in the Dong cooperation between ministries and Nai River basin, the Cau River sub-basin departments, and amongst localities. A and the Day River basin; and hydro-power further problem is the poor level of planning in Dong Nai River basin. The awareness of pollution and environmental planning for hydro-power development in protection at all organisational levels. The particular proposes the construction of a responsibility of localities and industries for large number of reservoirs. the environment is not clear and many localities misunderstand the purpose of In the past these sector plans have been environment protection and their roles and undertaken to serve one particular purpose, responsibilities. with little or no consideration of combined or integrated uses. Preparation of river 4.3. RIVER BASIN PLANNING basin plans provides the opportunity to consider the benefits of multi purpose 4.3.1 Water resource planning in works serving a number of purposes, and river basins also taking into account other water needs ­ such as water for living within the basin, Water resource planning in river basins is water quality management and one of the most important activities in river environmental requirements. basin management. On 13th February 2006, MoNRE approved a project plan and general 4.3.2 Zoning natural resources budget for water resource planning in the exploitation and Dong Nai River basin, the Ba River basin wastewater discharge and for the focal economic zones in the North. Although there are no effective zoning plans on water resources, there are rules These river basin planning projects have for zoning areas of water resource common objectives as follows: exploitation, use and waste discharge in some localities, such as in the Dong Nai Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 57 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins and Ba Ria ­ Vung Tau Provinces. This Box 4.2: Assessment of EIA reports in provides the basis for licensing wastewater some provinces discharge to water resource. In Bac Ninh: over the past 10 years, the It is important to define and zone areas of province's Board of Assessment of EIA water resource exploitation and use, and reports have granted approval for 132 units wastewater discharge. If river sections are to operate and invest in projects in which not zoned, there could be situations where 434 organisations and individuals are waste is discharged to upper sections of the granted land both inside and outside of river, making water use for living impossible industrial zones. in lower sections. However, to avoid conflicts among localities, zoning of areas In Vinh Phuc: there are 48 enterprises must be applied to the whole river basin. which have prepared EIA reports and 143 enterprises meeting environmental 4.4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT standards (about 56.8%). ASSESSMENT AND In Binh Duong: up to October 2004, 1,785 WASTEWATER DISCHARGE enterprises in the province prepared EIA reports or registered their achievement of 4.4.1 Environmental impact environment standards (including 71 EIA assessment reports appraised by MoNRE). All of the industrial zone have prepared EIA reports Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is and they were appraised and approved. carried out systematically for individual In Dong Nai: up to 2004 the province had projects from central to local levels in all appraised 373 EIA reports and 770 sectors. Project assessment reports are registrations of achieving environment approved by MoNRE which has issued standards. delegations to the Provinces and cities. Registration forms are issued to Source: Proceeding summarising 10 years of establishments that achieve environment environment assessment in Vietnam in December 2004 standards. The total number of EIA reports and the registration forms of achieving 02/2005/TT-BTNMT (24th June 2005) environment standards which have been guiding the implementation of this Decree. approved and appraised over the last 10 years has been steadily increasing. Many localities have identified establishments where wastewater However, the number of approved reports discharge licences are required. However, which meet environmental standards and for the 3 focus river systems, the number of their registration is low compared to the total licenses currently issued can be measured number of projects, and varies between in tens, out of the many thousands of provinces and cities. Checking of activities enterprises which will require licenses. This after the environmental impact reports are indicates that this work is now in its infancy approved is weak - many projects are and needs considerable development in the approved but are not operated according to coming years. the approved designs. 4.5 SETTING PRIORITIES FOR 4.4.2 Granting licenses for POLLUTION MANAGEMENT wastewater discharge This Report has shown that there are a vast Applications for and issuing licenses for range of pollutants, generated by wastewater discharge are regulated under thousands of different types of enterprises, Article 18 of the Law on Water Resources. affecting water quality in the 3 river basins Decree 149/2004/ND-CP dated 27th July at various locations. 2004 provides details about water licensing ­ for exploiting and using water sources, and The comprehensive management of water for discharging wastewater into water quality is extremely complex, costly and sources. MoNRE has issued Circular No. takes considerable time. Vietnam lacks the financial and human resources required to Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 58 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins fully develop and implement the "ideal" water 4.6 APPLICATION OF quality management approach. This is why it ECONOMIC MEASURES is critical that management actions are prioritised and directed towards the areas of Economic tools can play an important role greatest risk to communities and their in the development and use of river basin environments within river basins. resources. Economic measures include A risk assessment approach was used to pricing of water services, financial self- establish the priority enterprises stipulated in sufficiency of enterprises, taxes on water the Prime Minister's Decision No. resources and other taxes, policies of 64/2003/QD-TTG of 22nd April 2003, mobilising investment capital for approving the plan for thoroughly handling development, fee for environment establishments which cause serious protection, etc. These economic tools use environmental pollution. market forces so that organisations and individuals choose effective responses as they exploit, use and preserve natural Vietnam can now build on this important initial work to establish a priority setting resources - particularly by consumptive process based on risk analysis. This will uses of water such as irrigation, urban water supply and drainage and water allow the appropriate controls, regulations pollution reduction. and management actions to be developed and implemented in a strategic way. The government has acknowledged the role and importance of economic measures in Box 4.3: Decision No 64/2003 environment protection. Decree No. Identifications of 4,295 polluting 67/2003/ND-CP seeks to use pollutions establishments, 439 in Stage 1. charges to limit the environmental pollution Stage I (2003 ­ 2007): caused by wastewater, to use clean water Immediately handle the 51 highest priority economically and to create a funding polluting establishments (29 production source for the Environmental Protection businesses, 3 toxic chemical storage zones, Fund, used to protect the environment and 1 wartime bomb warehouse, 15 plant address the environmental pollution. protection chemical warehouses and 3 Box 4.4: Features of Decree No. 67/2003 rubbish dumps). Prepare plans to handle the remaining 388 The People's Councils decides on the specific rates of the environmental establishments including: protection charges for domestic - upgrade technologies at 55 establishments; wastewater, but the rate must not exceed - build waste treatment works at 200 10% of the non-VAT clean water selling establishments; price. - control pollution, upgrade, renovate and The Finance Ministry coordinates with build a pollution treatment systems at 49 MoNRE in prescribing the charge rate for former and existing rubbish dumps; and each pollutant in industrial wastewater. - treat environmental pollution at 84 The Central budget receives 50% of the hospitals. income which is added to the operation Stage II (2008 - 2012) capital of the Vietnam Environmental Continue handling the remaining 3,856 Protection Fund under Prime Minister's establishments causing serious Decision No. 82/2002. environmental pollution. The local authorities receive the other 50% to be used for environmental protection, new investment projects, sewerage, dredging, and repair and maintenance of local water drainage systems. Under the decree, fees are levied for the discharge of wastewater from domestic sources, essentially based on the cost of Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 59 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins clean water supply, and from industrial is necessary to protect the environment in sources, based on the amount of each river basins. pollutant found in the wastewater. The decree provides a range of charges for In accordance with the instructions of the industrial discharge, with kez. Prime Minister on treating environmental pollution in the Thi Vai River, MoNRE is The Environment Protection Fund provides cooperating with the People Committees of finance for environmental protection Ba Ria ­ Vung Tau and Dong Nai to check nationwide (but not for profit). Since 2004, production sites and business sites that 13 projects have borrowed funds under discharge to the River. Based on the preferential interest rates. Among these results and analysis from 77 production projects, 3 have funded wastewater sites and industrial zones, it is evident that treatment systems in the 3 focus river most production sites do not implement, or basins: at the Vinh Phuc Garment Company, incorrectly implement, the approved the Thai Nguyen Paper Export Joint Stock procedures. 49 out of the 77 production Company and the Dong Xuan Knitted sites have wastewater treatment systems Company (Hanoi). Although projects which but only 12 production sites meet the borrow funds in provinces and cities are national standards (15.6%). 28 of the generally small, this creates favourable production sites and industrial zones violate conditions for the development and regulations on wastewater discharge. 8 of application of other economic measures in the 12 industrial zones have not built water quality management in river basins. wastewater treatment systems sufficient to In 2005 provinces/cities in the focus River meet the demands of wastewater basins collected over VND 132 billion; from generated in the projects within the which the industrial wastewater fee was industrial zones. Wastewater exceeds the around VND 13.4 billion (10.2%) and the national standards for many parameters. domestic wastewater fee around VND 118.7 During 2006, MoNRE and the DoNREs in billion (89.8%). However, the amount of fees the Nhue ­ Day River sub-basin undertook collected is much lower than estimated. inspections of industrial zones, business Most provinces/cities in the focus basins are establishments and craft villages. The collecting the fee - the exceptions are Hai inspection aimed at identifying waste Duong, Bac Kan, Ha Tay and Ninh Binh. sources causing environment pollution, Twelve provinces/cities are collecting both establishments that were causing serious the industrial and domestic wastewater fee. pollution, as well as the establishments having environmentally friendly operations. 141 establishments, industrial zones and industrial complexes with a high risk of pollution were checked, with a total wastewater discharge of 28,500 m3/day. 119 establishments (84.4%) discharged wastewater directly into the Nhue-Day Rivers, 75 (48%) establishments treat the wastewater (13,700 m3/day), but only 11 establishments (3,185 m3/day) have wastewater treatment meeting the Figure 4.1: Industrial and domestic Standards. wastewater discharge fee collection, 2005 The inspection found that 40 Source: MoNRE, 2006 establishments seriously violated the Law 4.7 POLLUTION INVESTIGATION on Environment Protection and were fined nearly 250 million VND. These AND INSPECTION establishments were also classified and Implementing and checking (periodically and listed as stipulated under Decree No. without warning) business agencies and 81/2006/ND-CP (on sanctioning of industrial zones on their discharge of administrative violations in the area of wastewater and the impacts on water quality Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 60 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins environmental protection) and Article 49 of Nhue- Day River sub-basin and lowest in the Law on Environment Protection. Cau River sub-basin (Figure 4.2). 4.8 RESOURCES AND CAPACITY 4.8.1 Staff Staff working on environment protection in river basins includes management staff (environmental manager, pollution controller, surface water resource manager, environmental inspector) and monitoring staff (surface water and coastal water). It is estimated that there are only 150 officers Figure 4.2: Estimated total investment working on environment management in river rate for environment protection basins out of 1,200 officers working on Source: Institution of strategy and policy, Ministry of environment management in Vietnam. Most Planning and Investment of the environmental protection staff have not Sources of capital for water quality received advanced training on river basin management in river basins vary: state issues or on the concepts of integrated water budget, international aid, investment from resource management. They also have to the community and private enterprises. undertake a number of other tasks, therefore However, capital resources come mostly their knowledge of river basin environmental from the state budget. protection is limited. Major issues for financial investments are Traditional skills and current knowledge of that effectiveness and efficiency is low, staff does not align with new requirements, priorities have not been sufficiently especially in a complex and multi-sector identified and investments are often not areas such as water quality management focused. and environmental protection in river basins 4.8.2 Financial investment 4.8.3 Environment monitoring and information system Expenditure from the state budget for environmental protection in river basins is Over recent years programs for monitoring not a specific line item. Functions related to water quality have been increasing and water quality management and surface water quality monitoring systems environmental protection are carried out by are being progressively organised more many different ministries and departments. systematically. Provinces and cities have Budget items are also allocated according to limited budgets for monitoring as well as ministry functions. However, most of the limited experience. However, many of them budget and expenditure is with MoNRE and have equipped and built laboratories for MARD (at national level) and the DoNRE's water quality testing and analysis. Despite and DARD's (at local level). these activities, water information generally is not readily available providing serious The total investment budget for limitations for more effective planning and environmental protection is increasing as a management. result of the Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW by the Politburo. Under the resolution, MoNRE a. Monitoring networks co-ordinates with MOF and MPI to budget Water environment monitoring in rivers at 1% of annual expenditure on the the national level is now undertaken by environment sector. However, investment in departments of MoNRE and other river basin environment protection has been ministries/departments. A national limited. The capital investment in the 3 focus environmental monitoring network is river basins from 2000 to 2005 was not managed by VEPA. evenly distributed and was highest in the Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 61 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins In 2005, VEPA approved 3 general water Quality assurance and quality control in environment monitoring programs in the 3 environmental protection is weak, which focus river basins. Under these programs, affects the quality and utility of the data. national level water environment monitoring was to be conducted 6 times per year and b. Information system and database expenditure was 1.2 to 2.5 billion VND per There are no environment information year per basin. However, due to limited systems at the national level or at river budgets, monitoring activities have not basin level. There are also no adopted covered all of the stations and the intensity standards for environment information designed in the program has not been met. systems and information update Within MoNRE, there is also a mechanisms in river basins. Localities in meteorological monitoring network and water river basins have established some environmental monitoring system under the environment database to suit their own National Hydrometeorology Centre; and a specific needs. water environmental monitoring system During 2006, VEPA co-ordinated with (including surface water and underground provinces in river basins to establish and water) under the Department of Water update a website-based information Resources Management. system. Other ministries and departments also Decree No. 162/2003/ND-CP promulgating monitor surface water in river basins for the regulation on the collection, requirements under their specific mandates. management, exploitation and use of data For example, MOFI monitors the quality of and information on water resources, and on water for aquaculture, MOH monitors water the development of a data management quality and ensures sanitation standards, model, sought to establish a water and MARD monitors river flow for its information, collection and sharing operational activities. framework. The Decree also clarifies roles Many provinces and cities in river basins and authorities of concerned agencies in also establish local monitoring centres in data management. However, the regulation order to monitor for local environmental has not been applied effectively so that the protection (Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and exchange and sharing of environmental Binh Duong in the Dong Nai River basin; data and information among the provinces Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc in the in river basins remains very poor. Cau River Sub-basin; Ha Noi, Nam Dinh in the Nhue ­ Day River Basin). 4.8.4. Research activities Surface water quality monitoring in the focus Studies and research on river basins in river basins has the following limitations: Vietnam have been conducted over many years, especially on aspects such as Available funding and human resources hydrometeorology, topography and water for environment monitoring are limited, assessment. Many studies have been and therefore monitoring is infrequent supported by international aid. The studies and the parameters monitored and the have been used as a basis for socio- number of stations are insufficient. economic development in river basins. Continuous monitoring systems have not Studies and research have provided been established which can be used to practical solutions for environmental provide timely warnings to communities protection in river basins. However, many of pollution events. studies are not properly planned and often The purchase of monitoring equipment overlap with other studies. Most of the and analysis of environmental conditions studies are either general or sector based, often takes place in an ad hoc way and have not focussed specifically on water without a strategic focus on long term quality, methodologies for planning, outcomes and human resource training. economic measures, information measures and conflict resolution at the river basin scale. Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 62 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 4.9 PARTICIPATION OF of the administrative system is to combine COMMUNITIES state management of the sectors with management at central, provincial, district In reality, achievements in environment and village administrative levels. However, protection and water quality management river basin management must provide depend very much on the participation of leadership and coordination at regional communities. levels. As a result, it is impossible to use Box 4.5: Resolution No. 41/NQ-TW by the normal administrative boundaries and a Politburo on environmental protection in coordinating mechanism is needed. To the time of industrialisation and date attempts to make this happen have not modernisation been effective. However, as a result of Government Decision 43/2007/TB-VPCP, "Environment protection is the right and clearly establishing MoNRE as the lead obligation of organisations, households and agency for river basin management, all citizens; it is an expression of cultural life, MoNRE is preparing a Government Decree an important criteria of a civilised society. It on integrated river basin management and is also the continuation of our ancestors' this should provided a firmer base for the tradition of living in harmony with nature." coordinating arrangements. A start has been made on the application of Participation of communities in river basins various tools for water quality management has many limitations. - planning, the application of environmental Community potential has not been impact procedures, licensing, pollution sufficiently understood or mobilised. discharge fees, and investigation and Participation of communities in making inspection. However, there are problems decisions, planning policy and with the application of all of these ­ there environmental management is still not are no river basin plans; environmental effective. protection plans are not effective; environmental impact reports are not Community and enterprise awareness of always done, are not effective, are not river basin protection, as well as legal being complied with and are not checked; provisions, are low. licensing has only just started; pollution The community does not properly value discharge fees are not being applied their environmental assets and often uniformly and fairly across all sectors and in views them as resources to be taken for all areas; and investigation and inspection production or as areas for the deposit of is limited and not consistent. rubbish. As well, staff and financial resources are not adequate to make real in-roads in the 4.10 CONCLUSION backlog of work required to achieve Recent changes have now provided a legal sustainable natural resource management, and institutional basis that will allow water including pollution and water quality quality and environmental management to be management. Data and information is also effectively dealt with. There is clear limited and not properly shared, providing Government commitment, there are strong an inadequate basis for management laws and the institutional framework is decisions. sound. However, the reforms are recent and much of this is still new to Vietnam. The application of approaches and the use of management tools are mostly in their initial stages. Institutionally, the major weakness is the establishment of coordinating arrangements at the river basin scale. The current principle Chapter 4: Current Water Quality Management 63 CHAPTER 5 PRIORITY SOLUTIONS FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN RIVER BASINS ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins CHAPTER 5: PRIORITY SOLUTIONS FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN RIVER BASINS Previous chapters have demonstrated the urgent need to prevent increased pollution in the three focus river basins and recover polluted rivers. The extent of current levels of pollution and the inadequate resources and systems to tackle the issues makes this a daunting challenge. This chapter describes some short term actions (over 1-3 years) that could be taken to deal with the water quality and pollution issues in the three focus river basins. Other common solutions for water quality management and environmental protection are also presented. 5.1 SHORT-TERM ACTIONS C Assessing environmental health risks 5.1.1 Dealing with the focus river associated with domestic, industrial and agricultural pollutants dispersed. basins as a priority D Partnership and capacity building of The three focus river basins must be the officials from the Department of Water priority for the immediate future ­ they suffer Management in MoNRE in model the worst pollution in the country, the pollution development, data gathering and levels in some arts are extremely severe, and analysis. the situation is declining rapidly. This work for the Day River is expected to For these river basins, it will be essential to provide a focus on the seriously polluted firstly set priorities for better management of areas in the sub-basin: wastewater discharge. The importance of this was identified in the technical report Analysis To Lich River and lakes and rivers in the of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in inner part of Hanoi; and Vietnam (ICEM for The World Bank). This will The section of the Nhue River from Ha allow the appropriate controls, regulations and Dong town to Phu Ly, Ha Nam province. management actions to be developed and implemented in a strategic and focussed way, Using the skills and experience gained in the making the best use of scarce resources. analysis for the Day River, it is hoped that MoNRE can undertake a similar analysis for Under the ADB Second Red River Basin the Dong Nai River basin, and also for the Sector Project (TA 3892 ­ VIE), consultants Cau River sub-basin, at least in some form. ICEM are currently undertaking work for the MoNRE should urgently seek international Day River sub-basin to set priorities for support for this work, given its importance. management action and build a pollution inventory. The approach is to assess all For the Dong Nai River basin this prioritisation activities in the river basins that are impacting work is urgently required. It should on the quality of water, including an concentrate on the industrial wastewater from assessment of their current and future risk to provinces in the Southern Focal Economical communities. The consultant's work is divided Region and the treatment of domestic into four linked components: wastewater in Ho Chi Minh City and other large cities, and in particular on the seriously A Estimating domestic, industrial, polluted areas of the basin: agricultural, mining and craft-village water pollution releases. Dong Nai River: area at La Nga bridge; and the area from Hoa An bridge to Dong B Modelling the dispersion of domestic, Nai bridge, as there are 3 large water industrial, agricultural, mining and supply facilities operating in this area; craft-village pollutants and estimating ambient water quality. Sai Gon River: from Phu Cuong bridge to the Tan Thuan area; Chapter 5: Priority solutions for water quality management in river basins 64 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Thi Vai River; Strengthening the application of Decree Tay Ninh channel in Tay Ninh town; and No. 67/2003 and its operation for the priority industries/sectors, and Rivers and canals in Ho Chi Minh city. progressively linking these charges to For the Cau River sub-basin, the prioritisation wastewater licensing provision to make should focus on wastewater from industrial closer links between rights and and mining activities in Bac Kan and Thai responsibilities. Nguyen, wastewater from craft villages in Bac Creating favourable conditions for Giang and Bac Ninh and domestic waste enterprises in the priority water from cities and towns in the sub-basin, industries/sectors to access loan sources and in particular on the seriously polluted from Vietnam's Environmental Protection areas in the sub-basin: Fund as well as other financial sources. Two sections on the Cau River: one that Other short-term actions for the Done Nai flows through Thai Nguyen city (from the River basin should also be taken as follows: rear of Hoang Van Thu Paper Factory to Tra Vuon bridge) and another from Van Concentrate pollution activities on the 87 Phuc bridge to Dap Cau bridge; units in the basin which are listed under Decision No. 64/2003; The river section located downstream of Phuong Hoang River in Thai Nguyen city; Temporarily ban investment permits for 5 industrial types that generate major The end section of Ca Lo River; and pollution: cassava starch processing, Ngu Huyen Khe River. rubber latex processing, basic chemicals production, dying, and leather tanning, as The result of the pollution assessment will be directed by the Prime Minister. the identification of priority industries or sectors that are causing the most significant Limit the number of investment permits for impacts within the focus river basins. For another 5 industrial types: the plating these industries or sectors, a suite of focused industry, fishery processing, agricultural point source pollution prevention measures chemicals production and fertiliser can then be developed and applied, including: production, and paper pulp production in the Thi Vai river system. Setting levels of water quality to be achieved in well defined stages, each Obtain approval of the submitted plan for subsequent target closer to the required the environment protection of Dong Nai water quality objective. In the worst River basin. polluted waters, such as parts of the Dong Carry out a comprehensive study of the Nai, managers may need to set several hydraulic regimes of the Thi Vai Rivers intermediate levels of water quality until and propose technical solutions for better the required water quality objective is managing flows, supplementing water achieved. resource and making the most of the Accelerating licensing of wastewater assimilative capacity of the river. discharges for the priority Other short-term actions for the Day River industries/sectors in the high risk sub-basin should also be taken as follows: provinces, districts and communes. MoNRE should lead a focused approach Concentrate pollution activities on the 52 with the Provinces to deal with the highest units in the sub-basin which are listed risk industry types and develop industry under Decision No. 64/2003; specific licensing provisions for these Limit the number of investment permits for priority industries/sectors and apply them 5 industrial types that generate major to the specific establishments. pollution to the environment including: Concentrating regular environmental cassava starch processing, basic inspections and investigations on these chemicals production, dying, leather priority industries/sectors and priority tanning and paper pulp production. locations. Chapter 5: Priority solutions for water quality management in river basins 65 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Accelerated the development of the plan To facilitate this immediate work, additional for environmental protection of the Nhue­ resources should be allocated to local Day River system and submit to the authorities in the areas required to deal with Government for approval. the priority industries/sectors, from the 1% of Coordinate the regulation of flows from the the annual State budget committed to fund Red River to the Day and Nhue Rivers in environment protection. As well, all the dry and wet seasons to improve the investment opportunities in pollution control ability of the river system to provide a and management for the three focus basins source of fresh water for domestic use and should be based on the priority setting work agricultural production, and to enhance outlined above. the assimilative capacities of the rivers in 5.1.2 Actions for other river basins the sub-basin. The analysis for this will take place under the ADB Second Red At the national level the concentration should River Basin Sector Project (TA 3892 ­ be on the three focus river basins, as they VIE). have the worst pollution levels in the country. However, there are many other water quality Other short-term actions for the Cau River issues in the country that Provinces must deal sub-basin should also be taken as follows: with. The short-term actions in relation to Concentrate pollution activities on the 45 these are to: units in the sub-basin which are listed Set priorities for water quality under Decision No. 64/2003; management based on risk analysis to Limit the number of investment permits for allow the appropriate controls, regulations 2 types of industrial activities that generate and management actions to be developed serious environmental pollution, namely and implemented in a strategic and mineral exploitation and paper pulp focussed way. production. Concentrate pollution activities on these Strictly control sand exploitation on the priorities and on the units causing serious Cau River to sustainable levels of environment pollution as listed under extraction. Decision No. 64/2003. Other short-term actions for the three basins Develop zoning plans for water resource should also be taken as follows: exploitation and wastewater discharge for priority areas. These will be a foundation Zone some areas for safe vegetable for the issue of wastewater discharge production, and warn people of the high permits based on the assessment of the risks of using polluted water sources for assimilative capacity of each river section food production; in the basin and the national standards. In waters whose quality is better than the Accelerate licensing of wastewater level specified in water quality objectives, discharges in the high risk provinces, establish measures to prevent districts and communes. Focus on the contamination from all sources. It is just highest risk industry types and develop as important to protect these areas as it is industry specific licensing provisions for to restore the degraded areas. these priority sectors. Stop further deforestation and encourage In badly polluted waters set intermediate re-forestation with the view to achieving levels of water quality to be achieved in the national targets for forest cover, well defined stages, each subsequent particularly in the upper areas of the target closer to the required water quality basins. objective. Continual improvement should As well, MoNRE's current river basin planning be a fundamental principle guiding water initiatives for the northern economic zone, quality management. which includes the Day/Nhue and Cau River sub-basins, and for the Dong Nai River basin should be strengthened and supported. Chapter 5: Priority solutions for water quality management in river basins 66 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 5.1.3 Actions to strengthen the legal 5.2 OTHER GENERAL MEASURES and institutional framework FOR WATER QUALITY Revise the Law on Water Resource to MANAGMENT incorporate integrated water resources Arising from this report is a range of other management concepts, with clearer definition general measures that should be used to of responsibilities and coordination address water pollution in river basins. Some mechanisms between central and local of these have immediate application, some authorities, amongst ministries, and amongst are on-going; others are more longer term in provinces in river basins. MoNRE is planning nature. These are set out as follows. to review the Law during 2008. 5.2.1 Application of scientific, Promulgate a Decree on the management of river basins, which will detail how integrated technological and economic water resources management and tools environmental protection will be implemented Carry out regular environmental inspections at the river basin scale. MoNRE is finalising and investigations. Prescribe measures to such a decree and will submit it to the enforce enterprises to implement self- Government in mid 2007. Support the monitoring programmes and other regulations implementation of this decree with according to the Law on Environmental comprehensive community awareness, Protection, 2005. guidelines and capacity development. Strengthen monitoring of water source health 5.1.4 Other short-term actions in river basins, including the development of Improve public knowledge of the importance simple and cost-effective biotic indexes for of water to life. MoNRE should lead and assessing water quality which can be implement awareness campaigns on the executed not just by government scientists but importance and values of the environment to citizen groups, students and even school the lives of the community, with the contents children. Develop databases for river basins and delivery appropriate to each group in to provide and share with all relevant society. stakeholders at central and local levels. Strengthen the plans for dealing with safety Enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and measures for handling and using agricultural equity in the application of Decree No. chemicals by furthering a national program for 67/2003 across the country. Strengthen its the training/education of farmers to improve operation and ensure that all provinces apply their knowledge on the best use of pesticide, it fairly and uniformly across all sectors and in strengthen the pesticide registration scheme, all places. Prepare guidelines to assist this and expand the inspection and control of based on the "polluters pay" principle. pesticide importation, distribution and use. Progressively link these charges to wastewater licensing provision to establish the Urgently strengthen the EIA system and its relationship between rights and operation, particularly in relation to responsibilities. developments that affect water quality in the three river basins. This system must become Provide codes of conduct for concerned the means through which the impacts of organisations, including management developments are thoroughly and agencies, businesses and local communities. transparently appraised and potentially Where the water quality is better than the level affected communities can put their views specified in water quality objectives, establish forward. The previous chapters have show measures to prevent contamination, how critical it will be to ensure that new particularly for highly modified water developments all meet environmental resources. Wherever possible, managers standards. should aim to improve the quality of natural and semi-natural water resources rather than allow them to degrade. Prioritise limited investment opportunities in pollution control and management based on Chapter 5: Priority solutions for water quality management in river basins 67 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins work to identify high risk water sources and 5.2.4 International cooperation enterprises, including an assessment of their current threats and vulnerability. Establish cooperative mechanism in preventing and addressing water Provide incentives for industries to develop environmental pollution in shared international and adopt best management practises for the rivers. treatment of wastewater from urban and industrial areas, craft villages (eg. end-of-pipe Expand international cooperation for regional and common treatment facilities, urban sewer river basin protection in forms of bilateral and and drainage systems). Ensure that multilateral programmes and projects. Further commercial businesses of Ministries are at the strengthen the cooperation with international, forefront of this work (the Government should governmental and non-governmental lead by example). organisations in order to take advantage of international assistance in all forms as well as Allocate resources to local authorities for the experiences and techniques. protection of river basins from the 1% of the annual State budget committed to fund environment protection. The resources must be spent for appropriate purposes and in an effective manner. 5.2.2 Capacity strengthening Clarify and strengthen the roles of agencies and units in charge of water quality management and protection of the environment in river basins, at both central and local levels. Increase the number of officers working on water quality management and environmental protection in river basins; strengthen their skills in water quality management, environment management and protection, and integrated water resources management at the river basin scale. 5.2.3 Public participation and responsibility Develop mechanisms to ensure the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including local communities, in the development of river basin plans, and in the implementation of measures to protect water quality in river basins. Promote the role of the mass media in improving public awareness of the policies and laws affecting the quality of water resources. Develop and implement major communication campaigns for the business and industrial sectors highlighting the importance of environmental protection and their responsibilities to local communities. Chapter 5: Priority solutions for water quality management in river basins 68 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Appendix A SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARD TCVN 5942 1. Scope 1.1 This standard specifies parameter limits and maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in surface water. 1.2 This standard is applicable to control of quality of a surface water source. 2. Limitation Value 2.1 Parameter limits and maximum allowable concentration of pollutants in surface water are specified in the Table 1. 2.2 Standard methods of analysis of parameters and pollutant concentrations of surface water are specified in available current TCVNs. Table 1 Parameter Limits and Maximum Allowable Concentration of Pollutants in Surface Water Nº Parameter and Substance Unit Limitation Value A B 1 pH value -- 6 - 8.5 5.5 - 9 2 BOD5 (20ºC) mg/l <4 <25 3 COD mg/l <10 <35 4 Dissolved oxygen mg/l ³0 6 ³0 2 5 Suspended solids mg/l 20 80 6 Arsenic mg/l 0.05 0.1 7 Barium mg/l 1 4 8 Cadmium mg/l 0.01 0.02 9 Lead mg/l 0.05 0,1 10 Chromium. Hexavalent mg/l 0.05 0,05 11 Chromium. Trivalent mg/l 0.1 1 12 Copper mg/l 0.1 1 13 Zinc mg/l 1 2 14 Manganese mg/l 0.1 0,8 15 Nickel mg/l 0.1 1 16 Iron mg/l 1 2 17 Mercury mg/l 0.001 0.002 18 Tin mg/l 1 2 19 Ammonia (as N) mg/l 0.05 1 20 Fluoride mg/l 1 1.5 21 Nitrate (as N) mg/l 10 15 22 Nitrite (as N) mg/l 0.01 0.05 23 Cyanide mg/l 0.01 0.05 24 Phenol compounds mg/l 0.001 0.02 Appendix A: Surface Water Quality Standard TCVN 5942 69 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 25 Oil and grease mg/l not detectable 0.3 26 Detergent mg/l 0.5 0.5 27 Coliform MPN/100 ml 5,000 10,000 28 Total pesticides (except DDT) mg/l 0.15 0.15 29 DDT mg/l 0.01 0.01 30 Gross alpha activity Bq/l 0.1 0.1 31 Gross beta activity Bq/l 1.0 1.0 Note Values in the column A are applied to the surface water using for source of domestic water supply with appropriate treatments. Values in the column B are applied to the surface water using for the purposes other than domestic water supply. Quality criteria of water for aquatic life are specified in a separate standard. Appendix A: Surface Water Quality Standard TCVN 5942 70 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Appendix B Planning Targets from the Socio Economic Development Plan 2006-2010 The overall planning targets for Vietnam are set out in the Socio Economic Development Plan 2006-2010 (SEDP). One of the key objectives of this is to consolidate the industrialisation of the country as a means of increasing GDP per capita and reducing poverty. Specific industrial sector production targets include: Steel: Steel demand in 2010 is forecasted to reach 12 million tons, with an average annual rate of increase of 7.5 to 8%. Cement: Annual cement production should increase 15% annually to reach 50 million tons by 2010, from the existing 32 million tons. Paper: Investment in numerous paper and pulp projects is expected to substitute for pulp import. 1.2 million tons of cardboard and wrapping paper of all kinds will be produced in 2010. Fertilisers and chemicals: The objective is to ensure self-sufficiency of fertilisers for agricultural production. It is estimated that 70 to 75% of the domestic demand for urea as well as 100% of phosphate, and fertilizers will be satisfied through domestic production by 2010. Textile and garments: The objective is to produce 1,100 million m2 of silk of all types, 1,500 million garment items, and reach an export turnover of 10 billion USD in 2010. Footwear: The focus is on modernising footwear and leather production, developing leather sources of all types and increasingly using local materials to improve the value added of export products. Plastics: The aim is to satisfy the domestic demand for plastic packages and accessories and to link material input production for the plastics industry with petrochemical industry. Beer, liquor and beverages: Priority will be given to increasing the production capacity of beverages from fruits and mineral water and to expand existing beer breweries to increase capacity to 2.5 billion litres in 2010. Machinery: The overall objective is an annual growth rate of 18 to 20% achieved by: (1) concentrating on products with market competitiveness, particularly those serving agriculture and rural areas such as small motors, water pumps, tractors, farming machines, processing equipment, etc; (2) developing machinery for construction equipment, shipbuilding, automobiles and motorbikes; (3) undertaking research, design and the manufacture of equipment and gradually substituting imports; and (4) satisfying 35% of the country's demand for heavy machinery. (Source: Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, ICEM for The World Bank, 2007) Agriculture will continue to be an important sector under the SEDP. In order to achieve the agricultural goals, the targets are as follows: Food: Increase production at reasonable rate to ensure national food security, food reserve, animal feeds and export of 3 to 4 million tonnes per annum. Increase high-quality rice for export without increasing rice-cultivating areas; low-productivity areas are to shift to other crop cultivation or livestock raising; increase intensive farming and productivity, strongly develop maize cultivation. Diversify fruits and vegetables; intensify food and foodstuff hygiene and safety, and increase organic products. Industrial Crops: improve their productivity and quality; process high-value products and develop product trademarks. Develop large-scale specialisation areas closely linked with processing industry, gradually industrialise and modernise agriculture and rural areas. Appendix B: Planning Targets from the SEDP 2006-2010 71 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Meat: Ensure sufficient meat for domestic markets by developing livestock in the orientation of centralised farm in association with processing industry and disease prevention and treatment. Quickly develop milk production on the basis of ensured conditional competition. Fisheries: Synchronously develop fishery products, including all stages of exploitation, aquaculture, processing and export. Intensify processing high value added aquatic products. Ensure fast and sustainable growth of fishery. Implement the strategy for domestic and export market establishment within the context of international economic integration. Forestry: Create significant change in increased forestry products and primarily wooden products. Fundamentally reform the forestry sector with stronger linkages between protective and economic functions; reduce forest areas directly managed by State agencies; increase forest coverage. Plant forests to establish raw material supply areas for paper mills and artificial wood factories, etc. In terms of the environment, the SEDP has the following targets: By 2010, increase forest coverage to 43%. Strive for 100% newly built production establishments to apply clean technology or equipped with pollution minimisation facilities, ensure waste treatment and 50% of production and business establishment satisfy environmental standards. By 2010, 40% of urban areas and 70% of industrial zones, export processing zones are equipped with centralised wastewater treatment systems, 80 to 90 % of solid waste collected, over 60% of hazardous waste and 100% of medical waste treated. Strive to reach 95% of the urban population and 75% of the rural population to have access to clean water. Appendix B: Planning Targets from the SEDP 2006-2010 72 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins Appendix C REFERENCES 1. Report on Dong Nai ­ Sai Gon River environment, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, 2003 2. Report on Results of Environmental monitoring in Dong Nai ­ Sai Gon River basin, 2005 3. Report on the Inventory of Discharge sources in Dong Nai ­ Sai Gon River basin, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, 2005 4. Report on Environmental Monitoring at Monitoring Stations in the National Environmental Monitoring Network (during the period of 2002 ­ 2006) 5. Comprehensive Report and Assessment on the Environmental State and the Situation of the Management and Protection of Water Sources in Dong Nai ­ Sai Gon River basin, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, 2004 6. Reports on the state of the Environment of provinces of Lam Dong, Bing Phuoc, Bing Duong, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Ba Ria ­ Vung Tau, 2005 7. Report on the Environment of Thi Vai River, Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, 2006 8. Report of the Centre of Environmental Technology, 2002 9. Report on Environmental Monitoring results at Cau River basin, Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency and Thai Nguyen Center of Environmental Monitoring and Protection, 2005 10. Report on the Implementation of the Project on "Cau River basin Environment", National Center of natural Sciences and Technology, Institute of Geography, 2001 11. Report on the National level scientific project on "Cau River basin environment", Vietnam's Environmental protection Agency, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Center of Natural Sciences and Technology, 2003 12. Reports on the State of the Environment of provinces: Ha Noi, Ha Tay, Hoa Binh, Ha Nam, Minh Binh, Nam Dinh, Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Bac Giang (during the period of 2004 ­ 2005) 13. Report on the workshop on "Integrated management of water resources and some related technical solutions", Institute of Hydro-Meteorology, Department of Water Resources Management, LUND University, Sweden, 2005 14. Report on environmental monitoring results of water quality in Nhue ­ Day River basin, Vietnam's Environmental Protection Agency, 2005, 2006 15. Final report of the National level scheme on "Development of the comprehensive scheme on the protection of Nhue ­ Day River basin environment", 2005 16. Agenda 21 on Sustainable Development in Vietnam (Agenda 21) 17. National Strategy on Environmental Protection until 2010 and orientation towards 2020, National Political Publish House, 2004 18. Environmental assessment of micro-projects in communes of Binh Minh and Gia Xuan (Ninh Binh), Dai Thang and Xuan Phu (Nam Dinh), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2004 Appendix C: References 73 ENVIRONMENT MONITOR REPORT: 2006 WATER QUALITY IN VIETNAM ­ with a focus on the Cau, Nhue-Day and Dong Nai River Basins 19. Comprehensive scheme of "Protection of the environmental ecological landscapes of Cau River basin", Provincial People's Committees of six provinces in Cau River basin (Bac Khan, Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong and Vinh Phuc), 2005 20. Study on "Integrated Management of River Basins in Vietnam toward Sustainable Development", Midterm Report, Vietnam Agenda 21 ­ VIE/01/021 project, Center of Natural Resources and Environment Department and Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2005 21. Proposal on a National Strategy on Water Resources for Vietnam ­ For a Sustainable and Stable Future of the Water Resources, Office of the National Council of Water Resources, 2005 22. Study: "Integrated Management of River Basins in Vietnam for Sustainable Development", Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2005 23. Water Resources Profile, Office of the National Council of Water Resources, 2003 24. Experiences on development and implementation of Agenda 21 on sustainable development of China, Ministry of Planning and Investment, VIE/01/021, 2003 25. Statistical Year Books, General Statistical Office, 2004, 2005, 2006 26. Planning of the National Monitoring Network of Natural Resources and Environment of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment until 2020, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2006 27. Vietnam's Environmental Protection Fund, 2005 28. National Water Resources Strategy, Socialist Republic of Vietnam 29. The Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan 2006 ­ 2010, Socialist Republic of Vietnam 30. State of the Basin Report; The Mekong River Commission, 2003 31. Water Quality: Assessment and Protection. Water Resources and Environment Technical Note D.1, D.2, D.3, Series Editors: Richard Davis, Rafik Hirji. 32. Nguyen Quang Trung (2001): Impact of wastewater on water quality in irrigation systems and treatment measures to reduce pollution: A case study in Nhue irrigation system, in Working Paper 30: "Wastewater reuse in agriculture in Vietnam: Water management, environment and human health aspects", Proceedings of a workshop held in Hanoi (Vietnam), IWMI 30 (2001): pp. 18 ­ 19, 2001 33. Impacts of Using heavy Polluted Wastewater for Irrigation on Rice production and Environment in the Nhue and Day River System (Vietnam), Nguyen Quang Trung and Vu Quang Chung 34. Analysis of Pollution from Manufacturing Sectors in Vietnam, Technical Report prepared by ICEM for The World Bank, January 2007 35. The State of Clean water supply, Environmental sanitation and Rural people's health in Viet Nam - Donor Review, 2005 36. Vietnam Country Report to the 7th GINC Conference in Tokyo, 2001 Appendix C: References 74