Laotian ethanol plant contaminating rivers fisher communities rely upon

In Laos, a cassava-based ethanol plant is emitting waste into local waterways that has led to community protests. The runoff is impacting the fish runs that provide livelihood for 400 families in two villages. Although the facility, that was built in 2002, has holding ponds for effluent from the plant some of the effluent still gets into the river and pollutes it to the point where water can’t even be used for bathing. Local authorities are working with the company to find a solution that may be put in place as soon as August.