Chemical transport regulations protect Yangtze

China's cabinet, the State Council, on Monday issued a circular on transportation of hazardous chemicals on the River Yangtze.

Premier Li Keqiang in April proposed an economic belt along the river and as the river banks become home to industries transferred from the coastal east, many chemical plants have been built and the volume of chemicals transported along the river has increased dramatically.

The circular demands that the whole process of chemical transportation including production, storage, loading and waste disposal should be put under tight supervision and highlights ecological safety, requiring plants to improve their treatment facilities.

The ships carrying hazardous material must be overhauled and structurally modified. Outdated vessels will be scrapped.

The circular also establishes an emergency response system for the region to deal with chemical accidents anywhere along the river.

A dynamic data platform will help local governments cooperate effectively to deal with chemical accidents and prevent casualties or pollution.