NEMC suspends tannery over toxic wastewater violations
BAGAMOYO: The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has suspended production at Phiss Tannery Co. Ltd, a leather-processing factory in Zinga Ward, Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, over violations of environmental laws and conditions attached to its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) certificate.
The suspension followed findings that the factory was discharging toxic wastewater into water sources, resulting in foul odours and air pollution. NEMC also found some employees working without the required protective equipment.
Speaking on behalf of NEMC Director General, Senior Environmental Officer Upendo Mtunguja said the factory lacked an effective wastewater treatment system for effluent generated during leather-processing operations, despite earlier instructions to establish one.
She said the suspension was necessary to prevent further pollution of water sources and the surrounding environment.
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Mtunguja urged factory owners to comply with environmental laws and regulations, as well as conditions attached to their ESIA certificates.
She stressed the importance of meeting environmental requirements to protect water sources, air quality and surrounding communities from pollution associated with industrial activities.
The action against Phiss Tannery underscores NEMC’s enforcement of environmental standards and its call for industries to address identified environmental risks before continuing production.
