The Jilin Petrochemical Company, a subsidiary of the PetroChina
group, will be fined one million yuan (US$125,000) since being held
responsible for a chemical plant explosion, causing severe water
pollution in the Songhua River.
A report from the State Environmental Protection Administration
said the incident occurred in a nitrobenzene rectification plant on
November 13, 2005, in a chemical factory subordinate to the Jilin
Petrochemical Company.
The toxins generated in the explosion then fell into the Songhua
River, causing pollution that led to the cut of drinking water
supplies in major cities along the river and threatening water
safety in the area bordering Russia.
According to China's environmental laws, units found to cause
severe water pollution will face fines of up to one million
yuan.
(CRI January 25, 2007)
