Environmental Protection: Heavy industries in Hebei clean up their act

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02:31

China's northern regions have long been the country's industrial heartland, but heavy industries like iron and steel can be highly polluting. Now, many plants in the region are looking to clean up their act, as planners seek to balance development with environmental protection. CGTN's Ning Hong went to Tangshan in Hebei Province, to find out more.

There are over 400 Iron & Steel factories in Tangshan. The largest one: Tangsteel. But unrestricted heavy industry has its costs. And environmental protection has become a top concern for local residents and authorities alike. As a man responsible for balancing energy needs with environmental protection, Liu Guoliang is feeling the pressure.

LIU GUOLIANG, VICE DIRECTOR ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPT., TANGSTEEL "Since 2017, we invested a billion yuan on modifications to reach our ultra-low emissions target."

The result has been quite effective, reducing the emission of major pollutants by 4,000 tons. But it's not just emissions that are on the radar. Mineral powders are all stored in an underground warehouse.

YAO SONG, TEAM LEADER MATERIAL STORAGE SECTION "In the past, most mineral powders would be stored at open storage grounds. We built this underground storage facility to reduce the dust in environment. It's also easier to manage."

Over 40 thousand tons of waste water is generated by the factory each day. But this water treatment facility is helping to reduce waste water discharge to zero.

NING HONG TANGSHAN, HEBEI PROVINCE "All the waste water produced by the production process is being recycled and treated here. And as a supplement, it is also buying sewage water from the nearby city."

The facility produces purified water for the plant. The waste mud can be used as a fuel and is burned in production process.

LI WENCHAO, TEAM LEADER WATER TREATMENT CENTER, TANGSTEEL GROUP "The plant stopped using ground water several years ago. This added more than one full yuan to the cost of each ton used."

Needless to say, all these careful measures are adding to the factory's costs. But as a state-owned facility, Tangsteel is able to set an example by giving equal weight to environmental protection and economic development. Ning Hong, CGTN, Tangshan.