(Phnom Penh): Environmental authorities have ordered the suspension of a mango processing plant in northwest Cambodia after determining it discharged untreated wastewater into a local stream for a second time, causing fish deaths and environmental damage, officials said.

A joint team from the Ministry of Environment, the Battambang provincial environment department, and the Ratanak Mondol district administration conducted inspections in the O'Traeng area on 21-22 April 2026. Investigators identified the Baising Seng mango processing plant as the source of the pollution.

Officials said the plant is located upstream, about 2 kilometres from the site where dead fish were reported. The facility was found to have released untreated liquid waste directly into the freshwater stream through its drainage system, without proper treatment in line with technical standards.

Authorities noted that this is the second time the company has been caught discharging untreated wastewater into the stream, raising serious concerns over compliance and environmental responsibility.

The Ministry of Environment ordered the immediate suspension of operations until a compliant wastewater treatment system is fully constructed and operational. The company was also instructed to seal all drainage outlets, including wastewater and rainwater channels, to prevent further discharge into the stream.

Officials warned that the company will face administrative penalties and be required to compensate for environmental damage based on technical assessments. The ministry added that the plant could face permanent closure if it fails to comply or commits further violations.

Authorities said the case underscores stricter enforcement efforts to protect water resources and hold repeat offenders accountable for environmental damage.
=FRESH NEWS