Atmospheric pollution control should be understood in a scientific, objective, and rational manner

Thread Content

What are the main reasons for the frequent occurrence of fog during the heating season? “What progress has been made in improving air quality over the two years since the implementation of the \"Ten Measures for the Atmosphere\"? 　　 Fog and haze are a comprehensive manifestation of energy-related problems stemming from coal dependence, industrial issues related to heavy chemical industries, urban problems caused by unregulated expansion, as well as the weak awareness of environmental protection and ecological civilization construction among certain localities ** and enterprises. Over the past 10 years, our country has seen its urbanization rate increase by 1% each year; the number of motor vehicles has risen by 20 million, the production of crude steel has increased by over 50 million tons, coal production has risen by 200 million tons, and cement production by 250 million tons. More than 220 types of industrial products rank first in the world in terms of production volume. In particular, the coal consumption in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas amounts to 1.8 billion tons, accounting for about 50% of the country’s total coal consumption ； The installed capacity of thermal power is 310 million kilowatts, accounting for 35% of the national total ； Steel production capacity stands at 550 million tons, while coking capacity reaches 330 million tons; both figures account for over 50% of the national total. The heavy consumption of energy results in large amounts of regional pollutant emissions, far exceeding the region’s environmental carrying capacity. 　　 This energy and industrial structure, along with their layout, lead to the emission of large amounts of air pollutants; coupled with unfavorable weather conditions, this makes the occurrence of fog a highly likely event. According to meteorological statistics, from the founding of the People’s Republic of China to 2010, there were only 5 occasions when Beijing experienced stagnant and stable weather conditions lasting about a week during winter. Affected by the El Niño phenomenon, there were 7 occurrences in 2013 and 5 in 2014. Since the onset of winter in 2015, there have been three episodes of severe air pollution across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, occurring from November 26 to December 1, from December 5 to 14, and from December 18 to 24. The average wind speed in Beijing and its surrounding areas is about 1.9 meters per second, 5% lower than the average for the same period in previous years ； The relative humidity of the air increased significantly, being 21% higher than in the same period of normal years ； The height of the mixed layer is low, ranging from 100 to 200 meters at most, which is far below the normal range of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. This results in worse conditions for atmospheric dispersion and further accumulation of pollutants. 　　 The State Council issued and implemented the \"Ten Measures for Air Quality Improvement,\" proposing 35 prevention and control measures in 10 areas, including reducing pollutant emissions, optimizing the industrial structure, and adjusting the energy structure. Over the past two years, some achievements have been made through the efforts to combat air pollution. In the 74 cities that were among the first to implement the new environmental air quality standards, the average PM2.5 concentration decreased by 23.6% in 2015 compared to 2013. In 2015, the average PM10 concentration in 338 cities across the country decreased by 7.4% compared to 2014, and by 9.3% compared to 2013 ； In the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta, these figures dropped by 29%, 20.9%, and 27.7% respectively compared to 2013. 　　 However, there are many factors that affect the environmental quality of PM2.5, and the indicators currently included in the total emission reduction framework are insufficient. Source analysis in various areas has gradually identified the causes: there are issues related to sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as air pollutants such as smoke and dust, volatile organic compounds, and ammonia that are not included in the emission reduction framework. Additionally, factors related to inadequate urban environmental management play a role, such as the lack of covered storage facilities for materials, the persistent practice of outdoor barbecuing and straw burning, and the widespread problem of dust generated by construction and roadwork. In many urban areas, slum districts, and areas at the urban-rural border, the problem of burning raw coal openly remains severe. Additionally, adverse weather conditions are also a major cause of fog. China’s average annual wind speed is only about 2 meters per second to 3 meters per second, resulting in poor conditions for atmospheric dispersion. In recent years, the El Niño phenomenon has intensified, leading to a reduced atmospheric mixing layer in winter and increased humidity, which exacerbates fog formation. 　　 Overall, since the implementation of the \"Ten Measures for Air Quality Improvement,\" thanks to the joint efforts of the whole society, the national goals for improving air quality have been achieved on schedule. This fully demonstrates that the current direction and strategies for addressing air pollution are correct and effective, and that the goals and priorities for emission reduction are clear and targeted; it is essential to maintain confidence. The approaches taken by developed countries to combat smog are basically the same as those adopted in China. The continuous improvement of air quality in Chinese cities such as Urumqi, Lanzhou, and Taiyuan serves as evidence of this. Furthermore, the improvement in air quality in the Pearl River Delta region, along with the “APEC Blue” and “Parade Blue” phenomena, practically confirm the effectiveness of these measures. However, while acknowledging these achievements, we must fully recognize the urgency, long-term nature, complexity, and difficulty of air pollution control. We need to maintain strategic focus, not be swayed by various narrow viewpoints, and continue to make relentless efforts in this area. We will strictly implement the requirements of the \"Ten Measures for Air Quality Improvement.\" With a determination that leaves a clear mark, and with the same perseverance as when driving nails into wood, we will persistently fight this tough and protracted battle against air pollution in order to improve air quality and satisfy the people. 　　How is the total amount of air pollutants calculated at present? Is it scientifically accurate? 　　 The emission figures in environmental statistics are based on the actual emissions of enterprises, whereas the amounts approved in environmental impact assessments represent the total allowable emissions for those enterprises; these two concepts are different. To this end, ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the **Statistics Bureau issued regulatory documents such as the \"Measures for the Management of Environmental Statistics\" and the \"Measures for the Statistics and Monitoring of the Reduction of Total Emissions of Key Pollutants during the 12th Five-Year Plan Period\". A first national census of pollution sources was conducted, and updates were made in 2010 to comprehensively survey and record the emission levels of enterprises. 　　 To ensure the accuracy and reliability of statistical data, the environmental protection system has developed a series of technical methods. These methods require that the emissions of industrial enterprises be determined based on factors such as the level of their economic activities (coal consumption, raw material consumption), online monitoring data, supervisory monitoring data from pollution sources, and historical records from the control systems of pollution treatment facilities. The actual emissions of these enterprises are calculated through material balance calculations, emission factors, or monitoring data. In particular, a comprehensive survey and statistics are conducted for the 13,000 key pollution sources under national supervision. Since the 11th Five-Year Plan period, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has organized two large-scale inspections and verifications of total emission reductions each year, sending a team of technical experts and experienced law enforcement officers to the sites. There, they collect relevant data and information through investigations, and review the historical monitoring data kept by the enterprises (which is required to be stored for at least one year) in order to determine the actual emission levels of those enterprises. 　　 Currently, there are still some enterprises that have started construction without approval or whose construction does not comply with the approved plans. Although these enterprises are illegal, as long as their product output and overall economic volume are included in the national economic statistics, their pollution emissions will be determined in accordance with the standards used in those national economic statistics. The reason is simple: pollutant emissions are calculated based on the overall level of national economic activity, rather than by distinguishing between law-abiding and law-breaking enterprises for the purpose of pollution statistics. 　　 Taking sulfur dioxide as an example, the base figure for the first national pollution source survey was in 2007. This is the most comprehensive and authoritative data, widely recognized worldwide and across the country. In 2007, the national sulfur dioxide emissions amounted to 24.68 million tons, while coal consumption was 2.9 billion tons. After 2008, large-scale desulfurization facilities were installed across the country, so sulfur dioxide emissions could only be lower than those recorded in the first national pollution source survey. 　　What role have the existing environmental regulatory mechanisms and management procedures played in preventing enterprises from illegally discharging or leaking pollutants? What results have been achieved? 　　The current environmental regulatory mechanism has, to a considerable extent, curbed illegal or inadvertent discharges by enterprises. Taking the desulfurization system of coal-fired power plants as an example, three sets of programs determine the continuous operation of the plant’s desulfurization facilities. 　　First, the desulfurization process does not allow the shutdown of pollution control facilities without authorization. At present, over 80% of the flue gas desulfurization systems in thermal power plants across the country no longer have bypass flues. The bypass flue is primarily activated during boiler startup/shutdown or when there are abnormalities in the desulfurization system; the flue gas passes directly into the chimney without going through the desulfurization equipment, thus having no impact on the operation of the main boiler. If the desulfurization equipment is shut down while the unit is still operating after the bypass is removed, it will cause severe damage to the desulfurization system, rendering hundreds of millions of yuan invested in environmental protection efforts useless. Therefore, after the bypass is disabled, the plant’s desulfurization facilities start and stop in sync with the units. If the desulfurization facility fails, the unit must also be shut down simultaneously. Otherwise, it will cause devastating damage to components such as the anti-corrosion lining and mist eliminators inside the desulfurization tower; moreover, it jeopardizes the safe operation of the unit. For enterprises, this is a loss that far outweighs any potential benefits. Since the safe and reliable operation of the desulfurization system directly affects the continuous operation of the power generation units, power generation companies have included the operation management of this system under the category of main equipment. This set of interlocking procedures has been configured in the power plant’s central control system using complex logical instructions to ensure automatic operation, and this is a well-established practice across the entire power industry. If the desulfurization facilities are shut down at night, it will cause serious damage to the desulfurization system, requiring greater investment for repairs. 　　Secondly, the automatic online pollution source monitoring system (abbreviated as CEMS) provides support. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of CEMS data, once it has passed the inspection by environmental protection authorities, it is handed over to third-party monitoring companies for maintenance. Every quarter, the environmental protection department conducts effectiveness audits of the equipment; the data is connected to this department and transmitted in real time to its monitoring platform. 　　Third is the distributed control system (hereinafter referred to as “DCS”), which monitors the operation of environmental protection facilities in real time. In DCS, in addition to storing historical data of the main parameters of CEMS, it also keeps historical data of the key operating parameters of environmental protection facilities (such as the current of the booster fans in the desulfurization system, the current of the slurry supply pumps, the current of the slurry circulation pumps, and the pH value of the slurry), and allows for the viewing of historical trend curves for multiple parameters on the same screen. If the desulfurization facility is not in operation and the CEMS parameters are modified, there will inevitably be contradictions among the various DCS parameters. 　　Based on an analysis of environmental indicators, the average sulfur dioxide concentration in 74 cities across the country in 2015 was 25 micrograms per cubic meter. According to the new environmental quality standards, 96% of these cities met the requirements. In 2005, only 77.4% of cities met the then secondary standard (60 micrograms per cubic meter). Data released by the China Meteorological Administration show that in 2014, acid rain across the country returned to the levels seen in the 1990s, and the sulfur dioxide concentration in cities nationwide basically met the **air quality standards; these are all direct results of the reduction in the total amount of sulfur dioxide emitted. 　　What measures have been taken in recent years to address the inadequate regulation of air pollution? What results have been achieved? 　　 In economic and social development, enterprises often pursue short-term gains, resorting to illegal pollution discharge as a shortcut to cut costs and maximize profits, at the expense of the environment. In our country, the more enforcement powers are delegated to lower levels, the greater the influence of local protectionist forces. Influenced by power positions and financial interests, those who are capable of standing their ground often fail to do so, while those who can withstand pressure end up unable to hold their ground. There is also a problem of weak environmental enforcement capabilities, which leads to inadequate supervision. Yet environmental regulatory enforcement officers continue to overcome difficulties, break through obstacles, withstand pressure, and steadily intensify their enforcement efforts. 　　 During the special inspection on air pollution control in 2013, it was still common for industrial enterprises across the country to have malfunctioning air pollutant treatment facilities, experience uncontrolled emissions, and emit black smoke. Some enterprises even engaged in illegal activities such as secret discharges and intentional pollution release. During unannounced inspections in several cities and counties, there were instances of refusal to allow entry into factories, as well as interference with and obstruction of law enforcement; in some cases, vehicles were even used to block the unannounced inspection vehicles. However, environmental inspection officers still adhere to the principle of \"three no’s and three directs\": no fixed schedule, no prior notice, no reports required; go straight to the site, conduct inspections directly, and expose the issues immediately ； Adhere to the principle of combining regular inspections with unannounced inspections, day-time inspections with night-time inspections, as well as inspections during holidays with those conducted on regular days, in order to focus on identifying and cracking down on issues such as enterprises discharging pollutants illegally or in secret. To obtain evidence of a company discharging pollutants illegally at night, environmental inspection officers often work round the clock and stay on guard for hours on end. At the same time, advanced methods such as drones are employed; for instance, infrared aerial photography is used to specifically target instances of illegal nighttime discharges by enterprises. This has effectively deterred those companies that hoped to get away with breaking the law. 　　 In recent years, documents such as the \"Interpretations on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases Related to Environmental Pollution\" and the \"Notice from the General Office of the State Council on Strengthening Environmental Supervision and Law Enforcement\" have been issued successively. Laws and regulations such as the \"Environmental Protection Law\" and the \"Law on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution\" have been revised, providing environmental law enforcement with more powerful tools such as the power to seal up and seize property, impose daily fines, restrict production, and order shutdowns for rectification, thereby providing strong support for environmental supervision and law enforcement. In 2015, nationwide, 715 cases were subject to continuous daily penalties (with fines totaling 569 million yuan); 4,191 items were seized or confiscated, and 3,106 facilities had their production restricted or halted. Environmental protection agencies at all levels issued over 97,000 administrative penalty decisions, resulting in fines of 4.25 billion yuan, a 34% increase compared to 2014. 　　 Through years of unremitting efforts, special inspections and supervision efforts aimed at preventing and controlling air pollution have begun to show results. The air quality in key areas such as Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei has improved, and illegal discharges of air pollutants by industrial enterprises have significantly decreased. The environmental awareness among the general public is steadily increasing; it plays a powerful supervisory role and helps foster a positive social atmosphere. 　　In preventing and controlling air pollution, what role has the environmental impact assessment system played in prevention at the source? 　　 The environmental impact assessment system is an important tool for implementing the principle of prevention and for optimizing economic development through environmental protection. Its role is to prevent adverse environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of planning and construction projects, representing a form of prior management and prevention at the source. The environmental impact assessment system has been widely adopted and applied by more than 100 countries, regions, and international organizations around the world, playing an important role in controlling new sources of pollution and protecting both the living environment and the ecological environment. Therefore, the environmental impact assessment system should not only be maintained but also play a greater role. 　　 It should be emphasized that, for construction projects, the project owner is the entity responsible for implementing the environmental impact assessment system. The environmental protection measures proposed in the environmental impact assessment must be implemented simultaneously during the construction process, which is what is commonly referred to as the \"three simultaneities\" principle for environmental protection. To improve the implementation rate of EIA and enhance its effectiveness, environmental protection authorities have established systems for public participation and information disclosure, as well as an environmental protection credit system. They continue to refine and tighten penalties, strengthen supervision during and after project implementation, and rigorously investigate and punish any violations of EIA regulations. There is only one goal: to prevent or minimize adverse environmental impacts to the greatest extent possible. 　　 Due to the weak awareness of compliance among enterprises, there are indeed many issues such as construction without approval, discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction, failure to implement environmental impact assessment procedures, and neglect of environmental protection measures. After the implementation of the new environmental protection law, environmental authorities stepped up enforcement efforts, effectively curbing illegal construction activities.