Foul odor from squid processing taints Vietnam's scenic coastal road

A squid processing facility -- operating on the sand beside the Phuoc Tan-Bai Nga coastal road, a section of National Highway 29 in the erstwhile Phu Yen Province -- has drawn complaints from residents and tourists over a persistent foul odor and suspected wastewater discharge into the sea.

When reporters from Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper visited the site in Hoa Xuan Commune, now part of Dak Lak Province, on July 29, workers were seen drying large quantities of jumbo flying squid, with a strong fishy smell spreading to the surrounding area.

Nguyen Van Hung, a nearby resident, said the facility appeared only recently but the foul odor was already severe. 

"When the wind blows in from the sea, the odor spreads through the whole neighborhood. Visitors complain too. We hope local authorities will act soon," he added.

Le Minh Tuan, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said he and his friends had chosen the coastal route to Bai Tien Beach after hearing about its pristine scenery.

"The water was crystal clear and the views were stunning, but the smell hit us as soon as we arrived," he said. 

"It's a shame that a place with so much tourism potential is being spoiled by a problem like this."

Hoang Anh Tuan, chairman of the Hoa Xuan Commune People's Committee, said local authorities inspected the facility and documented the alleged violations on the morning of July 29. 

He said penalties would be imposed in accordance with regulations once the inspection results are finalized.

The commune's economic office said the facility had been operating without authorization.

Inspectors seized its processing equipment, ordered the workshop dismantled, and instructed the operators to cease activities immediately.

According to the office, the facility had only recently begun operating and was run by a group of people from outside the commune in partnership with several local residents.

Authorities are investigating images circulating on social media that appear to show a pipe discharging wastewater directly into the sea.

Officials said they are reviewing the site's wastewater system and would take legal action if environmental violations are confirmed.