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Official: Economic downturn in Shanxi could lead to more pollution

By Li Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-01 14:38

With the global financial crisis taking its toll on Shanxi, the province is facing threats of increased environmental accidents and a deteriorating ecological environment, warned Liu Xiangdong, director of the provincial environmental protection bureau.

Many energy- and resource-intensive enterprises in Shanxi province, such as paper making and iron industries, have either stopped or reduced production due to the economic downturn, according to Liu, which may contribute to a drop in pollution emissions.

However, this could also result in increased pollution intensity as enterprises could also suspend the operation of pollution-treatment facilities, such as sulphur dioxide scrubbers, to reduce costs, Liu warned.

The irregular operation of the pollution-treatment facilities, as a result of reduced production, will also make it more difficult for environmental watchdogs to closely monitor pollution emissions, Liu said.