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| Hazmat workers remove contaminated river ice |
The recent chemical spill into the Zuozhang River, Shanxi Province (northwest) has focused attention on environmental pollution, China Daily reports. - GWC
Compensation conundrum |Cover Story |chinadaily.com.cn:
Some Changzhi residents told China Daily that contaminated water from the aniline spill has flowed into their fallowfarmland, and they expressed concerns that the toxic chemical would affect the spring harvest. If that proves to be thecase, they will ask for compensation from the plant or the local government.
However, it's difficult for residents to defend their rights as individuals, according to Tian Fengchang, a legal adviser atthe All-China Environment Federation. A lack of legal knowledge prevents many people from asserting their rights andmost are unable to afford the legal fees.
"They either ask for a huge amount in compensation that exceeds the prescribed limit, or don't know their rights," saidTian.
People are often vulnerable when they are up against big business or the government, said Tian, who has paid closeattention to environment compensation claims since 2005. Instead they usually turn to specialist organizations such asAll-China Environment Federation for help.
"These groups are professional and find it easier to attract the government's attention," he said. "Individuals are highlyunlikely to get any response."
He advised the Changzhi residents to collect evidence for use in investigations by taking photos and water samples.However, the compensation procedure could take years, said Tian.
Hu Sanhu, head of the Changzhi Government Information Office, said no schedule has yet been drawn up forcompensation claims, but pledged that experts from the Ministry of Environmental Protection will test the contaminated soil.
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