In an effort to adapt to the pandemic's restrictions, the ministry capitalized on opportunities to develop and implement a range of technologies and methodologies for detecting air pollutant emission violations. The system incorporates satellite remote sensing, air quality monitoring facilities, power consumption data, and public informants to identify non-compliant actors.
Zhao explained how the innovative use of power consumption data could expose polluters' false claims about reducing production during periods of high air pollution. As per current regulations in China, firms in pollution-intensive industries must scale down their operations as an emergency response to high levels of air pollution. There are three distinct levels of restrictions based on the severity of the pollution and the company's potential contribution to it.
Zhao noted that some businesses might report a 50% reduction in their production while their power consumption data remain nearly unchanged, thereby suggesting dishonest reporting. The new technologies and approaches, Zhao affirmed, enable the bureau to detect such violations with increased precision, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of their on-site law enforcement operations.
Since May 2022, the bureau has provided information about potential environmental violations in over 20,000 companies to local environmental authorities. Investigations into these leads resulted in the identification of infractions in 70 to 80 percent of the inspected companies, underscoring the system's effectiveness.
Related Links
Ministry of Ecology and Environment of People's Republic of China
Our Polluted World and Cleaning It Up
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