Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Huong, the Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Technology (consulting unit for environmental impact assessment) said that Hoan Kiem Lake, 12 hectares wide, is severely contaminated. In particular, the mud layer on the bottom of the lake is thick and there are many heavy metals and toxic gases inside the lake body, affecting the living environment of the lake organism. In addition, the phytoplankton densities tend to increase, with dissolved oxygen levels dropping dramatically at different times, affecting the survival of many plants and animals living in the lake for many years. Therefore, dredging is necessary to protect the ecosystem at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake
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On behalf of the local community, Mr. Trinh Dang Khoa (Dinh Tien Hoang Street) stresses that despite many efforts in water quality improvement in Hoan Kiem Lake, the citizen’s expectations in this issue are not met. The Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in Ly Thai To Ward – Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Ha says the priority is to conduct dredging to improve the water quality. However, during the process, it is vital to ensure environmental protection and set up contingency measures in case any incident occurs. More importantly, the Hoan Kiem People’s Committee needs to put up efforts in raising people’s awareness in environmental safeguard of Hoan Kiem Lake, a place with not only spiritual and historical value but also scientific value in conserving diversified aquatic system with 33 unique kinds of algae.
After hearing the public opinions, Vice General Director of Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Ltd – Mr. Phan Hoai Minh as the project owner affirms that the company will instruct the consultant to review all responses, especially on the issue of aquatic ecosystem conservation in the Environmental Impact Assessment report. Once completed, the report will be appraised by Hanoi’s competent agencies and a ministry-level scientific panel before being implemented.
