The Chinese government on Friday published a regulation on
protecting oceanic environments from construction pollution, vowing
to tighten control on approvals of marine projects.
The regulation, issued by the State Council and due to take
effect from Nov. 1, aims at new, upgraded and extended projects
along the coastline that exploit, utilize, protect and restore
marine resources.
The location of the projects, such as power plants, seabed
tunnels, seafood breeding areas and sightseeing spots, cannot
affect the environment of the sea area or adjacent waters.
Project managers must make environment assessment reports to sea
administration departments before construction starts. Approval can
only be given after collecting opinions from maritime and fishing
departments, and public hearings if necessary, the regulation
says.
Proposals for sea enclosures and filling projects must undergo
public hearings before a decision on approval.
Sea administration departments must approve or reject the
reports within 60 working days. Reports of projects involving
national security, exploitation of mineral resources, power
generating and large-scale sea enclosures and filling must be
submitted to the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).
Evaluations of marine environmental impacts have been launched
on all current oil exploitation and seabed tunnel projects,
according to the SOA.
The regulation also requires that environmental protection
facilities should be built and put into use during the main
construction. The project cannot start operation without checks and
approvals of environmental protection facilities by
authorities.
Discharge of toxic and harmful waste, such as oil, plastic,
acids, radioactive liquids and gases, is strictly controlled or
forbidden. Pollutant dischargers must pay discharge fees to local
commercial banks.
Coordination between oceanic administration departments and oil
exploitation departments must be strengthened to improve emergency
response plans and prevent serious oil leaks.
The SOA will enhance monitoring of waste discharges and publish
regular reports.
The regulation also underlines inspection and supervision of
governments and classifies penalties on project operators who
disobey the rules or cause pollution accidents.
Any organization or individual is entitled to report in
confidence to the authorities projects that cause pollution or
damage the marine ecological system.
(Xinhua News Agency October 7, 2006)