HCM CITY – Air and odor pollution from industrial emissions continues to plague industrial parks (IPs) and export processing zones (EPZs) in HCM City, according to the city Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA). HEPZA has submitted a report to the municipal People's Committee outlining ongoing efforts to address the issue.

Of the city's 17 operating IPs and EPZs, only six currently have centralized waste treatment systems. Despite some progress, air pollution, odors, and untreated emissions persist, impacting both workers within the zones and residents in surrounding areas.

Wastewater management is a critical component of environmental protection within these zones. Wastewater includes domestic wastewater from factories and worker facilities (pre-treated through septic tank systems) and industrial wastewater from manufacturing processes (treated on-site). This wastewater is then connected to the centralized treatment system within each IP before further processing. Businesses generating emissions, dust, and odors from boilers and incinerators have installed treatment systems. Domestic solid waste and industrial waste are collected and processed according to regulations.

Most EPZs and IPs in the city have implemented automatic and continuous wastewater monitoring systems, transmitting data directly to the city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

While environmental protection measures are in place, challenges remain. Specific guidelines for reusing treated wastewater from centralized systems for irrigation and street cleaning are lacking. Furthermore, some businesses have not adhered to environmental regulations.

Current pollution issues primarily stem from air emissions and odors generated by rubber processing and tobacco production. A significant hurdle is the lack of technical standards for odor control from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, hindering effective mitigation. The city’s People's Committee has also yet to issue a price list for environmental monitoring and analysis, impacting the bidding process for environmental quality analysis contracts and preventing authorities from regularly sampling and measuring air emissions during inspections.

Looking forward, HEPZA plans to conduct training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate businesses on environmental protection laws and regulations, according to Phạm Thanh Trực, deputy head of HEPZA’s Management Board. They will also inspect centralized wastewater treatment systems in EPZs and IPs to ensure compliance. HEPZA will collaborate with the Project Management Board, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to further research, assess, and develop policies related to eco-industrial parks.