Source: CCTV.com

11-27-2007 11:26

China's environmental watchdog says it plans to significantly raise fines for polluting in an effort to further protect the country's drinking water resources.

Tougher measures related to water pollution have been publicized by the State Environmental Protection Administration. Under its new draft regulation, maximum fines will be raised five fold to 500,000 yuan for individuals or companies who discharge highly toxic pollutants into drinking water resources. Those who store solid waste or other pollutants below the highest water line along any body of water will face a fine of up to 200,000 yuan, 20 times the current amount.

Companies at fault will have to shoulder all related costs, or risk being shut down should it cause a serious water pollution accident.

SEPA says it has delivered the draft to all provincial-level governments and state departments for their feedback.

Editor:Xiong Qu