Districts pressed on green efforts
The city government has asked Changning and Qingpu districts to step up their environmental efforts after they were found wanting in key areas after a monthlong investigation.
Changning has been told to strengthen its management over construction sites, waste water discharge by companies, smoke emission and oil leaks from restaurants.
The government, acting on a report by an environment inspection team, also pointed out poor management of domestic sewage in Qingpu District, and its underdeveloped environmental infrastructure.
The report acknowledged Changning’s efforts in improving the environment of nearly 3 million square meters of old neighborhoods. The average density of major air pollutant, PM2.5 particle, had also fallen to 40 micrograms per cubic meter last year — a 26.3 percent drop from four years ago.
River water quality had also improved in the district. The report said there was no smell or dark tainted water at the nine city-level supervision spots in the district. Changning residents have an average of 8.06 square meters of public green space per person.
“Despite the progress, the district had to raise awareness toward ecological protection,” the report said. “The current situation falls short of the district’s image as an ecologically livable international urban area.”
Some environment-related construction projects were also delayed. The district’s environment enforcement team was slack in dealing with construction sites, waste water dischargers, auto repair companies and restaurants.
Qingpu was found lagging in the treatment and supervision of sewage plants. Sewage from villages was not being properly collected and treated. The water quality in rivers near the Qingdong area was also poor.
Gases discharged from sewage plants and other industrial companies had a foul odor, while the treatment of the sewage sludge and garbage dealing facilities were poor.
But the air and water quality had improved. The report acknowledged Qingpu’s effort in protecting the environment near drinking water reservoirs, including shutting down polluting sources.
Changning and Qingpu officials are due to work out renovation plans based on problems pointed out by the city government's environment inspection.
