The Ministry of Environment has instructed all provincial and municipal departments of environment to inspect scrap waste storage sites across the country to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The order follows the recent discovery of an illegal recyclable material storage site that caught fire, creating severe environmental pollution.
The ministry explained on Saturday, March 7, that the directive was issued after the fire broke out at the site, in Kampong Speu province. The blaze produced thick black smoke, raising concerns about its impact on the environment and public health.
According to the ministry, the inspections aim to prevent environmental risks such as fires, air pollution and any improper management of hazardous materials that may occur at poorly managed waste storage facilities.
The nationwide inspections seek to strengthen monitoring and ensure that waste management activities do not pose risks to the environment or to public health, especially for residents living near such sites.
“Provincial and municipal departments of environment must conduct inspections and prepare reports on all scrap waste storage and recycling sites within their jurisdictions. The inspections will focus on compliance with environmental standards, including proper waste storage, hazardous waste management and obtaining the required environmental permits,” stated the ministry.
It warned that businesses which fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations may face administrative sanctions or legal action under Cambodia’s Environment and Natural Resources Code.
Officials from the ministry and local authorities are pursuing legal measures against the owner of the Kampong Speu site, in Oral district.
According to officials, the fire continued began on March 5 and was not brought under control until the following evening.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the blaze involved recyclable materials that had been stored in a disorganised manner. These included tens of tonnes of electrical wires and cables, old washing machines, air conditioners, used containers, motorcycles and other vehicles, as well as aircraft parts and scrap metal.
The site covered approximately 1.5 hectares.
Authorities identified the owner of the site as Sok Han, who operates a business collecting solid waste for recycling purposes, and determined that the business had been operating without the required permits.
Article 272 of Cambodia’s Environment and Natural Resources Code prohibits the storage, discharge, burning, burial or disposal of hazardous waste that may harm public health, the environment or property. Article 844 states that offenders may face imprisonment from one to five years and fines of up to 100 million riel if the offending continued.
