China will set up an examination system to ensure that river water flowing across provincial borders meets environmental standards, according to a document released by the State Council.

The document said that provincial governments will be responsible for the quality of the water, and coordination on law enforcement and dispute handling will be strengthened.

The provincial governments in upper reaches of the river will be responsible for the pollution they produce, and shoulder any compensation claims. Detailed compensation mechanisms are currently being worked out by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA).

According the document, local governments should take all-around responsibility in dealing with pollution accidents in line with their emergency plans, while SEPA and related departments of the State Council provide support.

The document was released after the serious pollution accident in the Songhua River which began November 13. The river flows through Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces.

SEPA will strengthen its guidance and supervision on local environmental protection. Special supervisors will be sent from the central government to different regions to co-ordinate environmental issues across provinces and tackle serious environmental accidents.

The document outlines the country's future environmental protection issues, saying the focus will be on safeguarding drinking water sources, controlling and preventing urban pollution, reducing sulphur dioxide emissions, preventing and controlling soil pollution and supervising nuclear facilities.

(China Daily December 15, 2005)