By Chen Yong (陈勇), Zhang Xiangdong (张向东)
Issue 632, August 14, 2013
Nation, page 09
Translated by Shuqi Luo
Original article: [Chinese]

A planned nickel alloy project in the coastal city of Ningde, Fujian is facing strong opposition from local citizens and former governmental officials.

The major concern is pollution and the damage it could bring to the local fishing industry. In fact, recent coastal industrial development has already led to a dramatic decline in the local fish population, with some species dying out completely.

The Opposition

Three of the protest leaders are Ruan Jianxu (阮建绪), Zheng Yixiong (郑贻雄), and Wu Long’an (吴隆安), who all used to be governmental officials in Ningde. Over the past year, the three have been running from one government department to another trying to put a stop to the project.

In order to gain a better understanding of the potential problems that the project could bring, they’ve gone to investigate two other nickel alloy factories in other cities. It turns out both have brought serious pollution to their respective towns and greatly distressed locals.

Despite the government’s assurance that the project has passed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), worries continue to grow. Opponents argue that the project can’t possibly be pollution-free, and that even if the project is necessary, it shouldn’t be built so close to the city.

Another major opponent is The Fisheries Association of Ningde City (宁德市水产协会). A source from the association said that the main environmental dangers of the project are the emission of sulfur dioxide, the discharge of aqueous sulfuric acid and water damage from nickel and chromium compounds. The association says that the fishing industry wouldn’t be the only one to suffer from the decreased water quality and diminishing fish population. The health of the local people would be harmed too.

The Defense

Ningde authorities and the company behind the project, Taiwan Yilian Group (台湾义联集团), both insist that the project won’t cause any environmental issues and that Chinese laws have been strictly followed at each stage of the project.

Government officials are pushing for the development of offshore industries in hopes of improving the local economy. It’s estimated that this very nickel alloy project would contribute 400 million yuan in tax revenue and provide job for 1,200 people.

In order to develop the local economy and take full advantage of its coastal resources, Ningde has been inviting several resource-dependent industries like steel and offshore oil producers. 

A source from the local government, who asked to remain anonymous, says that there’s general neglect toward environmental protection and an obsession with economic data.

Peng Benrong (彭本荣), an associate professor at Xiamen University (厦门大学), says that many coastal Chinese cities have sacrificed their oceanic environment for the sake of the economy. Fujian should really learn from these cases and promote sustainable development.