January 6, 2008
China will conduct its first national survey of pollution sources in some of the world’s dirtiest cities, Xinhua reported last week.

The study will collect data on sources of industrial, agricultural and residential pollution for two months, according to Zhou Shengxian, head of the State Environmental Protection Administration, or SEPA.

“The results of the census will not be linked to any punishment or evaluation of the performance of local administrations,” said Zhou Shengxian. Polluters and government agencies “should not fear repercussions but should instead guarantee true, credible results.”

Every province, autonomous region and municipality has set up a census office and will report to a main centre staffed by officials from SEPA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Xinhua said. Data will be examined and approved by mid-2009.