Projects urged more transparent on environment info

16  January 2013

BEIJING – The Ministry of Environmental Protection released a circular this week urging local authorities to be more transparent when providing information related to the environment, especially data regarding potentially hazardous construction projects.

In cases of major projects that may involve the public’s vital interests, information should be disclosed to a wider spectrum of people and decisions should be made after listening to public comments, the circular said.

The circular is a reminder to local governments of the importance of releasing clear and accurate information in avoiding social disturbances. And it comes after a protest last week against the expansion of a petrochemical plant in East China’s Ningbo city prompted the government to suspend the project.

Similar protests have erupted in other cities in recent years. Last year, authorities in Northeast China’s Dalian ordered a paraxylene plant to shut down after local residents took to the streets to demand the plant be relocated over concerns regarding possible toxic chemical leaks.

It’s no wonder people have concerns about petrochemical projects as they have been unable to get enough information from authorities on the health risks and environmental evaluation details of the schemes.

The launching of a major industrial project is not only a matter for discussion between the government and enterprises. It’s also a public affair, which affects the interests of local residents.

Publicizing information on projects and introducing public participation into their evaluation processes is key to success. The government’s sole assurance of safety should also be matched with the public’s own judgment.

Rumors often spread if right information is not released in time. If people get to know the possible environmental risks of projects and how the governments would tackle them, they tend to be more relaxed and positive in approaching such developments.

Petrochemical projects are operated worldwide and their environmental risks can be controlled if thoroughly managed, according to experts. The authorities need to explain this to the public with facts and data.

Disclosing information through media and inviting the public to discussions and public hearings are likely to clear up misunderstandings and reduce the public’s mistrust.

Local authorities should realize that important policies must take public opinions into account early on with a smooth and unhindered process. Unpredictable and costly consequences may lie in wait if this does not happen.

As a developing country with 1.3 billion people, China needs more industrial projects to maintain its economic growth. Sound communication between the government and the people will win people’s trust and provide benefits for all.