Diesel spill in Dung Quat kills fish, contaminates waterways and rice fields

The incident was first detected on Wednesday after residents of Thuan Phuoc Hamlet in the commune reported that river water had turned dark, emitted a strong diesel smell, and was littered with dead fish floating on the surface.

Following a site inspection, authorities confirmed that the substance released into the environment was diesel fuel.

In many parts of Thuan Phuoc, thick oil slicks spread across rivers, irrigation canals, and rice fields prepared for the upcoming winter-spring crop.

The diesel formed a black, glossy film on the water, while the pungent odor disrupted daily life for households living along the riverbanks.

Fish and other aquatic species were found dead along the waterways, with some stretches recording particularly high concentrations of carcasses.

Local residents said the oil spread rapidly with the current, seeping into rice fields awaiting sowing.

Despite concerns about serious losses, many farmers proceeded with planting because their seeds had already been soaked and could not be delayed.

According to the commune administration, the spill originated from Sub-depot 85 under Depot 182 of the Department of Petrol and Oil, part of the General Department of Logistics and Technical Services.

At the time, the unit was receiving diesel from the Dung Quat Oil Refinery in coordination with a flow meter inspection team.

A technical malfunction combined with improper operational procedures during the transfer caused diesel to spill, flow into drainage ditches, and spread into the surrounding environment.

After the spill was discovered, local authorities inspected the site and ordered the responsible unit to immediately implement environmental response measures.

Containment booms and oil absorbent materials were deployed to isolate and recover the spilled fuel in an effort to prevent it from spreading further along local waterways.

Initial assessments indicate that a substantial volume of oil was released, with cleanup efforts hampered by the area’s dense and interconnected river and canal system.

The oil slick has spread with the water flow, posing risks to agriculture and aquaculture.

Preliminary surveys show that more than 15 hectares of rice-growing land and over three hectares of aquaculture areas have been affected.

Local authorities are assessing damage and affected households and have reported the incident to the Quang Ngai administration and relevant agencies for further response and monitoring.