Oromia Regional State suspended four tanneries in Modjo from operating until they build secondary wastewater treatment plants.

The Oromia Environment Forest & Climate Change Authority ordered Colba, Hora, Jianxin Zhang and East Africa tanneries to build biological treatment plants within six to eight months at their respective factories. The treatment plants are estimated to cost between 15 million Br and 20 million Br each.

The factories were given 15 days to process hides they have already bought and then cease operations. The suspension comes following inspection results the federal and regional environmental authorities conducted on the tanneries as to their environmental compliance.

"The factory owners have been given continuous feedback and held a series of discussions with the environmental authorities to bring their discharges to the acceptable level," said Abeje Tariku, public relations and communication senior officer at the Authority.

All the tanneries have primary wastewater treatment plants that filter and treat most of the hazardous chemicals and heavy metals before discharging into the rivers.

Secondary, or biological, wastewater treatment plants use micro-organisms, primarily bacteria, to further clean the discharge. These micro-organisms convert biodegradable organic matter contained in wastewater into simple substances that are safe to the natural and human environments.

The tanneries use chemicals such as chromium, which have harmfull effects on humans, animals and the environment, according to the Authority’s assessment.

The management of the tanneries understand the importance of treating the waste but prefer either an extension to the 15-day limit or to remain operational throughout the construction of the secondary treatment plants.