Sinopec closes three petroleum plants after pollution exposed on state TV

Petrochemical giant Sinopec has suspended production at three subsidiaries in Guangdong after a state television exposé showed the company being scolded in an internal meeting over severe environmental pollution breaches.

In rare coverage by state television, CCTV broadcast footage yesterday showing inspectors from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Guangdong's provincial environmental protection bureau berating the company for repeated regulatory violations.

Zhou Quan , director of the bureau's inspection office, pounded a table and shouted: "This is a blatant [violation]. And no one supervised [the companies] and asked them to correct [their wrongdoings] even though it was crystal clear that their pollution emissions were beyond national standards.

"Even so, [the companies] are still bullying local governments all the time, claiming [their operation] is important for the national economy and people's livelihood. Then what about the livelihood of local people?"

CCTV reported that Zhanjiang Dongxing Refinery, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed China Petroleum & Chemical - Sinopec - dumped toxic sewage in rainwater drains without proper treatment. The plant was also found to have resumed operation without approval after being ordered to shut down in May for failing to relocate residents.

Another subsidiary, Sinopec Guangzhou Petrochemical, illegally stored a large amount of liquid in two tanks designed for emergency use only, posing high environmental risks.