“China
on Thursday issued a plan to intensify the fight against water
pollution. The Action Plan for Water Pollution Prevention and Control
aims to reduce pollutants, improve drinking water and promote water
conservation, according to the State Council, China's cabinet.”
“Aquatic
ecosystems have been severely damaged in many parts of China,
threatening public health and economic development. Targets for
improvements by the end of 2020 include reducing the amount of
severely polluted water and containing groundwater contamination.
Specifically, the plan said more than 70 percent of the water in the
seven major river valleys, including the Yangtze and Yellow rivers,
should be in good condition by 2020. The same target is set for
offshore areas. By the end of 2030, more than 75 percent of the water
in the seven major river valleys should be clear, with dark and
odorous water in urban areas eliminated.”
“Small
factories in sectors such as paper, insecticides and tanning will be
shut down by the end of 2016, as they are weak in environmental
protection. Bigger projects in these sectors must update their
technology to meet emission requirements. Starting in 2016, a
blacklist will name businesses that exceed their pollutant quotas,
with severe violators risking the possibility of closure. The
document also calls for preservation of wetlands, mangrove swamps and
coral reefs. Aquatic reserves should be better protected, it said.”
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