The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) consistently regards water source protection and pollution prevention as a top priority in its sustainable development strategy. To meet the criteria for THE Impact Ranking’s metric 6.3.2, UEH has established a rigorous procedure for controlling and preventing polluted water originating from academic, research, and daily activities of faculty and students.

Specifically, the UEH Department of Facilities Management has issued and implemented internal policies related to the management, monitoring, and wastewater treatment. All domestic and laboratory wastewater from UEH’s facilities is collected and treated through a centralized wastewater treatment system that complies with the National Technical Regulation QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT. This system operates under an automated process, is subject to monthly/quarterly monitoring, and has a treatment capacity of 550 m³/day.

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Process and technology description 

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In addition to the centralized wastewater treatment system deployed at its facilities, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) implements a series of comprehensive management and control measures aimed at preventing water source pollution arising from all academic, research and daily activities of its staff, lecturers, and students. These measures are developed following a holistic approach, including wastewater collection and classification, periodic inspection and monitoring, as well as procedures for environmental incident response and prevention.

1. Wastewater Collection and Classification

All wastewater generated within the UEH campus, including domestic wastewater (from dormitories, canteens, and offices) and laboratory wastewater (from research and teaching areas), is collected through a closed piping system, ensuring no leakage into the environment. At the point of generation, wastewater is clearly categorized into: domestic wastewater, chemical-containing wastewater, and stormwater runoff. This classification helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination and enhances treatment efficiency before the wastewater is fed into the centralized treatment system.

Furthermore, regarding solid waste, UEH rigorously applies the Waste Classification Principles and Waste Treatment Methods stipulated in the Green Campus Regulation Table. Following the 7-model applied, organic liquids without residue such as coffee, soft drinks, fruit juices, soy sauce, etc., are strained to separate solids and residues before being placed in a separate container, ensuring that the collection and treatment process meets hygiene and environmental standards.

2. Periodic Inspection and Monitoring

UEH maintains a mechanism for periodic wastewater quality monitoring to ensure that all discharge activities comply with environmental standards. The UEH Department of Facilities Management coordinates with specialized units to conduct water sampling every six months at discharge points and in the campus landscape ponds. The parameters monitored include: pH, BOD, COD, TSS, Ammonia, Mineral Oil and Grease, Coliform, and other relevant monitoring indicators. The analysis results are stored, periodically reported to the competent authorities, and simultaneously disclosed on the internal system to ensure the University’s transparency and accountability.

3. Environmental Incident Prevention and Response Procedure

To minimize the risk of water pollution caused by incidents, UEH has established an emergency response plan for situations such as chemical leakage, wastewater overflow, or localized flooding. This procedure involves the deployment of an automatic shut-off valve system, emergency containment tanks, a rapid response team, along with mandated notification and incident resolution steps. Concurrently, UEH organizes annual environmental safety training for operating staff and laboratory personnel. This training aims to enhance their capability to identify, respond to, and promptly address risk situations, thereby contributing to the safety of both people and the surrounding environment.

Open related links:

1. DESIGN DESCRIPTION of construction works and supply and installation of wastewater treatment plant equipment –  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wvKYZY54b9uWyJsLx2k5_g_UlWb-o07e/view?usp=sharing 

2. 2008 – QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT National Technical Regulation on Domestic Wastewater – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-mk4oIWCZfEuGm-xifzQFGD5jFkqANJE/view?usp=sharing 

3. 2023, Regulation Regarding Green Campus Practice, https://gogreen.ueh.edu.vn/en/green-campus-regulations