Guiyang shuts down 60 polluting companies

The city of Guiyang – capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province – recently shut down 60 companies that were generating unacceptable levels of pollution.

The action took place after an assessment by the Guiyang bureau of ecology and environment.

A total of 87 companies were investigated. On top of the 60 businesses that were closed, problems at another 19 were rectified, while plans were drawn up to relocate eight enterprises.

The targets of the action were small manufacturers and associated businesses in the non-ferrous smelting and processing sectors, as well as in chemicals, auto repairs and other industries in the city.

The bureau focused on rectifying potential environmental safety problems – including the layouts of enterprises not conforming to the main functional area plan and a failure to observe relevant approval procedures, such as pollution discharge permits. It also looked for any lack of environmental protection facilities or incomplete environmental protection facilities, as well as excessive or disorganized discharges of pollutants.

In strict accordance with the requirements for environmental pollution prevention and control at all levels, the bureau conducted investigations within its jurisdiction and established a city wide enterprise remediation list.

Moving forwards, the bureau will summarize and improve the overall situation, building on previous action.

Through the establishment of a divisional supervision work mechanism, it will conduct spot checks on follow-ups to any remedial work ordered and achieve improved long-term management of the city's air quality.