China's environmental body urges stricter enforcements of emergency emission reduction measures in Tangshan

SHANGHAI, Mar 12 (SMM) – On March 11, Huang Runqiu, Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment visited Tangshan for an inspection of the implementation of emergency emission reduction measures for heavy pollution weather in steel enterprises.

During the inspection, it was found that four companies were producing at high load during the emergency response to heavy pollution weather, failing to implement the corresponding emission reduction requirements, and has widespread production record fraud problems, and some even reported to each other and deleted production records in response to the inspection.

"For environmental violations, especially fraudulent acts, we must resolutely investigate and deal with it in accordance with the law with a zero-tolerance attitude,"  Huang said that those suspected of such offences must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Huang pointed out that the current situation of air pollution prevention and control work was still in progress. "It is necessary to strengthen the sense of responsibilities, and take the opportunity to solve the problems, and earnestly promote the implementation of emergency emission reduction measures during heavily polluted weather."

He added that it is also necessary to establish a bottom line thinking, pay close attention to the emergency emission reduction work of heavily polluted weather, ensure that the supervision and inspection has achieved practical results, and can not be perfunctory. "We have to  adhere to the problem-oriented approach, dare to deal with tough situations, strengthen law enforcement, severely crack down on violations of the atmospheric environment."

Huang emphasized that iron and steel enterprises are major emitters and the main body responsible for air pollution control. "We should not just look at benefits and leave pollution to the local people. It is necessary to raise awareness of environmental protection, strictly enforce implement emergency plans for severely polluted weather, and do not take chances." he said.

The Department of Atmospheric Environment of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued the Letter on Conducting Investigation on the Response to Heavy Air Pollution in Tangshan to the Tangshan government on March 8, stating that it would lead a team to Tangshan during March 9-11. The Tangshan government held an emergency meeting on environmental protection on the evening of March 8, requiring industrial enterprises to restrict production in accordance with the first-level red warning response during this period.