Salavan: Authorities confirmed that untreated wastewater discharged by Khounmeexay Khongsedone Co., Ltd. caused severe ecological damage along the river.
According to Lao News Agency, Ms. Chitthamom Ounsida, Deputy Director General of the Department of Environment, stated that a joint investigation team was formed on May 5, 2026, after provincial authorities reported large numbers of dead fish. The task force included officials from the Departments of Environment, Livestock and Fisheries, and Water Resources, as well as researchers from Champasak University.
Investigators found that between April 23 and May 5, the factory secretly released wastewater from its final treatment pond directly into the Xedone River. The wastewater contained dissolved oxygen (DO) levels far below national environmental standards, triggering oxygen depletion, water contamination, and the collapse of aquatic ecosystems.
Authorities collected around 460 kilograms of dead fish from affected areas, including the villages of Phamxay, Khong Gnai, Kaeng Tawang, Don Meuang, and Tha Luang. Heavy rainfall beginning on March 27 raised river levels by nearly one metre, worsening the situation as decomposing fish drifted downstream into Sanasomboun District in Champasak Province.
In response, the Salavan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry issued Official Notice No. 1395, ordering the factory to immediately suspend operations.
Recent water quality tests conducted at 11 monitoring points along the river showed that pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen levels have returned to within national environmental standards. However, authorities say close monitoring will continue.
The factory owner has been summoned by authorities and ordered to take full responsibility for the damage, including restoring the river ecosystem and ensuring the safety of local communities and fish populations.