February 25, 2002

More than 100 of the 21,000 chemical plants located alongside China’s rivers and coastline pose safety threats, the country’s environment chief has warned.

(excerpt)

More than 100 chemical plants beside China’s rivers pose safety threats, country’s environment chief has warned.

Zhou Shengxian said plants were surveyed after chemical spill November poisoned water supply millions people north-east.

The affected river, Songhua, has since frozen over, but Mr Zhou said its water would safe once thawed.

He said plants identified unsafe were being investigated, findings would published.