(June 1, 2002) China plans a nationwide check of environmental standards at factories lining its rivers, after the blast at a chemical plant in the northeast that poisoned drinking water for millions.

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Beijing: China plans a nationwide check of environmental standards at factories lining its rivers, after a blast at a chemical plant in the northeast poisoned drinking water for millions, the official Xinhua agency said on Thursday. The accident sent 100 tonnes of cancer-causing benzene compounds pouring into the Songhua river, and meant taps were turned off for nearly a week in the downstream city of Harbin which is home to around 9 million people. “Big or medium-sized enterprises located along major rivers or their tributaries, especially the chemical plants at the upper reaches of drinking water sources, are major inspection spots,” the report quoted an emergency circular issued by SEPA saying. Inspection teams sent to 10 provinces are expected to wrap up their work by the end of next month.

Reuters, June 1, 2002