Watchdog slaps 3 multinationals
The mainland's top environmental watchdog has named three multinational companies for environmental failures as it called on international firms to shoulder their responsibility for the nation's environment.
The three companies, CG-Omnova Decorative Products (Shanghai), Jinmailang Corporation in Chengdu , and Shanghai Cosco Kawasaki Heavy Industries Steel Structure, breached environmental regulations during a two-month inspection by the State Environmental Protection Administration.
Sepa spokesman Tao Detian said in a statement posted on the agency's website on Wednesday that CG-Omnova emitted excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide and dust, while Jinmailang had failed to process its sewage properly. Shanghai Cosco Kawasaki was accused of creating noise pollution, he said.
Mr Tao said penalties would be imposed.
A Jinmailang spokeswoman said yesterday from the firm's Beijing office that the company would not comment until it had confirmation from Sepa.
Representatives from CG-Omnova and Shanghai Cosco Kawasaki were not available for comment.
The three companies were among 130 multinational businesses on the mainland inspected by Sepa since November. Scattered across 19 provinces and autonomous regions, each of the companies had breached environmental regulations at some time between 2004 and last year.
Ma Jun , head of the non-governmental Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, said an increasing number of companies, especially multinationals, on the mainland were more aware of their social responsibilities.
