Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha visited the Lee & Man Paper Mill in Hau Giang Province and approved its operation after the mill was forced to halt operations for a water pollution investigation.
The delegation also visited nearby locals to gather opinions.
A number of households still complained about the smell and waste emissions at night, but agreed that the severity had lessened.
Vietnam Environment Administration reported that they had worked closely with local authorities to monitor the mill’s operation and submitted monthly reports.
"Based on these results, Vietnam Environment Administration will be given one week to check the procedures and issue operation permit to Lee & Man Paper Mill," Ha said. "Local authorities must continue monitoring the environment and gather opinions from the public."
However, Hau Giang provincial authorities first needed to operate and maintain six existing monitoring stations along the Hau River.
Many owners sold their cages at cheap prices to recoup some money.