Shenzhen will launch a 100-day campaign to crack down on waste water discharge violations from Jan. 20 to April 30.

The city’s water resources bureau combined with the transport, public security and industrial and commercial bureaus to initiate the campaign to ensure a cleaner drainage water system.

“Our inspection staff will target all business facilities discharging water into the city’s drainage system. The campaign will concentrate on those more likely to discharge polluted water,” said He Pei, deputy director of the water resources bureau.

He said hotels, restaurants, parking lots, hospitals and construction sites were more likely to discharge polluted water.

About 600,000 tons of polluted material a day is discharged into the city’s drainage system, mainly from 533 factories, 1,492 housing estates and 175 “urban villages,” residences built by farmers for rented accommodation for migrants.

This year the municipal government will inject a total of 2 billion yuan (US$240 million) to tackle water pollution.

In the past, inspections usually focused on poisonous or chemical waste being discharged from factories. However, this campaign will be more comprehensive covering all potentially hazardous waste.

The bureau will also launch a comprehensive check of drainage water permits. “Those who still haven’t got one should apply for the permit as soon as possible,” said He.

Offenders will be fined 1,000 yuan (US$120) to 5,000 yuan according to the type of violation.

(Shenzhen Daily January 13, 2005)