Computer parts maker to be fined for dumping waste

The Songjiang District Environmental Bureau plans to fine a local computer parts manufacturer for discharging waste into a nearby river, the bureau said Thursday.

The bureau began investigating RiTeng Computer Accessory (Shanghai) Co Ltd after residents reported on February 9 that the river's water had turned gray near the intersection of Songmin and Xinfei roads, said Cao Haiyun, a press officer with the bureau.

An initial investigation found pollutants in the river, which authorities traced back to the company's factory at 3636 Shengang Road, according to bureau's website. Bureau officials visited the factory Saturday and discovered that it had been dumping waste oil into the city's storm sewers.

The factory, which makes external casings for tablet and laptop computers, used the oil to lubricate its metal cutting machinery, Cao told the Global Times. Although the oil changed the color of the river water, it posed no threat to the health of nearby residents.

The bureau ordered the company to stop dumping the oil into the drains under the factory, according to the bureau's website.

Cao did not disclose the size of the fine.

Under Chinese environmental protection regulations, a factory that dumps waste into storm drains can be fined up to 50,000 yuan ($8,015). It can be fined up to 100,000 yuan for failing to correct the practice.

The bureau's investigation found that the factory had improperly dealt with hazardous waste and lacked required environmental protection certifications, according to the bureau's website.

The incident was not the first time the company has been in the news. On December 17, 2011, an explosion occurred at the factory, injuring 61 people and leaving 23 with severe burns, according to the Wenhui Daily. The accident occurred because aluminum powder that accumulated at a polishing station overheated.