In Vietnam, wastewater management of apartment building construction projects is specifically regulated in the following relevant legal documents:
1. Environmental Protection Law 2020
In Vietnam's Law on Environmental Protection 2020, there are important provisions related to the treatment of wastewater in apartment buildings. Here are some key provisions:
a. General regulations on wastewater treatment:
- Article 42: Regulations on the prevention and control of water pollution, including the treatment of wastewater from various sources, including wastewater from residential areas.
- Article 43: Clearly states the responsibilities of organizations and individuals in the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater.
b. Quality of wastewater from apartment buildings:
- Article 44: Regulations on wastewater quality standards from residential areas, including indicators on the content of pollutants such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), other organic and non-organic substances.
c. Responsibilities of investors, managers and residents:
- Article 46: Regulations on the responsibilities of investors, managers and residents for the treatment of wastewater from residential areas. Specifically, the implementation of treatment measures, construction and maintenance of drainage systems, and treatment of domestic wastewater in accordance with the provisions of law.
Management and supervision:
- Article 47: Regulations on management and supervision of wastewater treatment from residential areas, including inspection, supervision, and periodic reporting on environmental status and wastewater treatment measures.
2. Regulation No. 2020/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister
- Decision No. 2020/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister of Vietnam on standards for domestic wastewater quality from apartment buildings was issued to set specific standards for domestic wastewater quality from apartment buildings. Here are some key points in this decision:
a. Wastewater quality standards:
- This Decision regulates the quality standards of domestic wastewater from apartment buildings, including indicators such as BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), SS (Suspended Solids), and other organic and non-organic substances.
b. Targets and limits:
- This Decision specifies the criteria and limits for each type of pollutant in domestic wastewater from apartment buildings, to ensure that wastewater is properly treated and does not affect the environment.
c. Management and control:
- The decision also addresses wastewater quality management and control, including periodic testing, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that apartment complexes comply with prescribed standards and limits.
d. Penalties for violations:
- If apartment buildings violate regulations on wastewater quality, this decision also stipulates the application of appropriate treatment measures and penalties.
3. Circular No. 12/2021/TT-BTNMT of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Circular No. 12/2021/TT-BTNMT of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam provides specific guidelines on environmental assessment for residential construction projects, including the treatment of wastewater from apartment buildings. Here are some key points in this circular:
a. Applicable subjects:
- This Circular applies to residential construction projects, including apartment buildings.
b. Environmental assessment requirements:
- Regulations on the implementation of environmental assessment for residential construction projects, which require assessment of environmental factors, including wastewater treatment.
c. Environmental protection measures:
- This Circular requires that during the design, construction and operation of residential projects, environmental protection measures must be applied, including wastewater treatment, to ensure that the project does not cause negative impacts on the environment.
d. Management and supervision:
- This Circular also regulates the management and supervision of wastewater treatment during the operation of residential projects, to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
4. Regulations of local authorities
Regulations on apartment wastewater treatment in Vietnam are not only regulated by central legal documents but also specified through regulations of local agencies, including the People's Committees of provinces and cities. Specifically, local agencies often regulate apartment wastewater treatment through the following measures:
- Regulations on wastewater quality standards: Local authorities often establish specific wastewater quality standards that apply to residential complexes within their jurisdictions. These standards often reflect local conditions and specific wastewater quality requirements.
- Regulations on inspection and supervision: Local authorities often regulate the implementation of testing, monitoring and assessment of wastewater quality from apartment buildings to ensure compliance with legal regulations and quality standards.
- Regulations on penalties for violations: For cases of violations of regulations on wastewater treatment in apartment buildings, local authorities often have regulations on appropriate handling measures and penalties to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent environmental pollution.
Normally, the regulations of these local agencies will coordinate with the regulations of the central level to create a complete and effective regulatory system in the management and treatment of apartment wastewater. For the most detailed and accurate information, you can refer to the specific regulations of the People's Committees of provinces and cities or local environmental management agencies.
